Skip to content

Bavaria's Landtag Live gives young people a firsthand look at state politics

From Munich's City Hall to the State Chancellery, participants discovered the real work behind policies. Could this spark a new wave of civic engagement?

The image shows an old map of the city of Munich, Germany, with text written on it. The map is...
The image shows an old map of the city of Munich, Germany, with text written on it. The map is detailed, showing the streets, buildings, and other landmarks of the area. The text on the map provides additional information about the city, such as its population, roads, and landmarks.

Bavaria's Landtag Live gives young people a firsthand look at state politics

Annarita Seitz from Oberguenzburg recently took part in a week-long political practice programme called Landtag Live. The initiative brings young people closer to Bavarian politics through hands-on experience. This year's edition included meetings with officials and discussions on how laws are made in the state.

The programme began with a visit to Munich City Hall. There, participants spoke with City Councilor Andreas Voßeler about local government and municipal decision-making. Later, they moved to the Bavarian State Chancellery for a detailed talk on the legislative process.

At the state government offices, Digital Minister Fabian Mehring and State Secretary Tobias Gotthardt explained their daily responsibilities. They highlighted how policies are developed and implemented at the regional level. Seitz described the experience as eye-opening, particularly the need for flexibility in political work. *Landtag Live* has been running every two years since 2003. Organised by KLJB Bayern, Kolpingjugend Bayern, and the Bayerischer Landtag, it aims to demystify politics for young participants. Franz Wacker, leader of KLJB, noted that the 2026 edition reinforced the group's interest in state affairs. He also pointed out that the project gives politicians fresh perspectives from younger generations.

The week-long event wrapped up with participants gaining direct insight into Bavarian governance. Seitz and others left with a clearer understanding of political processes and a stronger connection to democratic engagement. Organisers plan to continue the programme, building on its record of encouraging youth involvement in state politics.

Read also:

Latest