On Sunday, September 26th, Germany will head to the polls to elect a new government. The stakes are high, and the choices made by voters will have a significant impact on the country’s future. Aydan Özoğuz, a Turkish German politician and vice president of the German parliament, is urging citizens to make their voices heard and participate in this crucial democratic process.
Özoğuz, who is of Turkish descent, has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in German politics. She has been a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) since 2004 and has served as a member of the German parliament since 2009. In 2013, she made history by becoming the first Muslim woman to hold a cabinet position in Germany when she was appointed as the Federal Government Commissioner for Migration, Refugees, and Integration.
As Sunday’s election approaches, Özoğuz is using her platform to encourage citizens to exercise their right to vote. In a recent statement, she emphasized the crucial role that each individual’s vote plays in shaping the future of the country. She stated, “Every vote counts, and every voice matters. It is essential that we all participate in the democratic process to ensure that our voices are heard.”
Özoğuz also highlighted the importance of diversity in politics and urged voters to consider this when casting their ballots. She emphasized that a diverse and inclusive government can better represent the needs and concerns of all citizens. As a Turkish German herself, Özoğuz understands the value of diversity in politics and has been a strong advocate for minority rights throughout her political career.
The Turkish community in Germany makes up a significant portion of the country’s population, with over three million people of Turkish descent living in Germany. As such, Özoğuz’s message resonates with many voters, who feel that their voices and representation have been lacking in German politics.
In her call to action, Özoğuz also highlighted the importance of participating in the democratic process to counter the rise of far-right and extremist ideologies in the country. She stated, “The rise of far-right movements and parties in Germany is a threat to our democracy. We must use our democratic right to vote to reject these ideologies and protect our values of diversity, tolerance, and inclusion.”
Özoğuz’s message comes at a crucial time, as Germany has seen a rise in support for far-right parties and movements in recent years. In 2017, the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) entered the German parliament for the first time, gaining over 12% of the votes. Their presence in parliament has been a cause for concern for many, as the party has been known for its anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric.
As the election approaches, Özoğuz’s call to action is a timely reminder for citizens to use their votes wisely and reject divisive and extremist ideologies. She also emphasized that the election is not just about choosing a government but also about shaping the future of the country for generations to come.
In conclusion, Aydan Özoğuz’s call to action is a powerful reminder of the importance of participating in the democratic process. As a Turkish German politician, she understands the value of diversity and inclusion in politics and has been a vocal advocate for minority rights. Her message serves as a motivation for citizens to exercise their democratic right and make their voices heard in Sunday’s elections. Every vote counts, and it is crucial that we all use our voices to shape a better future for Germany.
