September 26 cover art

September 26

September 26

Written by: Bear Radio
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About this listen

 On September 26th, Germany will see one of its most significant elections since reunification, as the countable era of Angela Merkel comes to an end. This could signal big change for Germans and internationals alike, making understanding the process and voting when you can, absolutely critical.

Elections, voting and German bureaucracy can be intimidating and overwhelming but we’re here to guide you through it. Joined by journalists on the forefront of German election coverage, we will be leaning on their expert knowledge to answer some of our most pressing questions like “How do I vote”, “Why should I care”, “Who will replace Merkel”, and “What is a coalition government”?

No matter your political leanings, or if you can vote or not, this is the time to pay attention, because change is coming.

Episode transcripts available at bearradio.org/september-26Copyright Bear Radio Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • EP 8: Coalition Talks

    EP 8: Coalition Talks
    Nov 1 2021
    It’s been more than a month since election day, but that doesn’t mean that the election is over. Olaf Scholz will be the next chancellor, coalition talks are in full swing, and The Union has had to take a long hard look at itself. But what does this mean for Germany, the future government and Angela Merkel?

    Sumi Somaskanda of Deutsche Welle helps us unpack all this and more. Including looking into what the results said about how voters feel about climate policy. Why are so many young voters backing the liberal FDP, what’s next for the DWE housing referendum, and what’s going on while we wait for a government to be formed?

    Thank you Sumi for chatting with us, RØDE for making our recordings possible, and Epidemic Sound for the theme song.

    If you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear more, help us make that happen by donating to our PayPal. The linked account is info@bearradio.org - all donors will receive a virtual hug and a loving shoutout in the next episode.

    Our theme song is City Phases by John Abbot, also featuring audio from Deutsche Welle, Deutsche Welle (2), Deutsche Welle (3) and TLDR News EU.
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    35 mins
  • EP 7: The Final Countdown

    EP 7: The Final Countdown
    Sep 24 2021
    We’re just two days away from the big day. Politicians are making their final push, voters are asking the big questions and activists are making themselves heard.

    In this episode of September 26 we are joined by Paulina Fröhlich, the Head of 'Future of Democracy' at Das Progressive Zentrum Berlin.

    Paulina takes us through what happens in the hours and days after voting closes at 6pm on Sunday. Will there be massive US style watch-parties or will Germans be on the couch in front of Tagesschau? Will there be exit polls and when will we know who Merkel’s successor is? We look at the ‘new’ ways in which the candidates are connecting with the voters through social media and town hall conversations. And we acknowledge the dangers of having AfD present during the election period, and what their power in certain regions could mean for Germany.

    Finally, Paulina shares the vital role that activists play during the election period and after. Looking toward climate action from the Friday’s for Future movement, Greta Thunberg taking part in the Berlin Climate strike, and how this influences parties and their policies.

    Thank you Paulina for chatting with us, Pirate Studios for making our recordings possible, and Epidemic Sound for the theme song.

    If you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear more, help us make that happen by donating to our PayPal. The linked account is info@bearradio.org - all donors will receive a virtual hug and a loving shoutout in the next episode.

    Our theme song is City Phases by John Abbot, also featuring audio from Deutsche Welle, Deutsche Welle (2), Deutsche Welle (3) and TLDR News EU.
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • EP 6: Campaigns and Money

    EP 6: Campaigns and Money
    Sep 15 2021
    The big day is almost here and Germany’s election campaign season is heating up. With just two weeks to go, debates are being televised, parties are having literal parties, and local candidates handing out brochures to anyone who will take them. While the chancellor candidates are taking center stage, the German political machine is so much more than Annalena Baerbock, Olaf Scholz, and Armin Laschet.

    In this episode, we speak to Julius van de Laar, a political strategist and communications expert with extensive campaigning experience of his own. He helps answer our questions about campaign finance, how political foundations play a role in campaigning both in Germany and abroad, and how candidates are slowly (but surely) devoting more of their time and funds to digital advertising. We also get into the nitty gritty of public and private donations, and the talk of “dark money”. And Julius also shares a bit about his own experience as a campaign strategist and how he helps German candidates.

    Thank you Julius for chatting with us, Pirate Studios for making our recordings possible, and Epidemic Sound for the theme song.

    If you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear more, help us make that happen by donating to our PayPal. The linked account is info@bearradio.org - all donors will receive a virtual hug and a loving shoutout in the next episode.

    Our theme song is City Phases by John Abbot, also featuring audio from
    Deutsche Welle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE7pKkeoUHw&t=5s),
    Deutsche Welle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mVGsFhd9oY&t=22s),
    Deutsche Welle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i52MGlRWf3Q&t=367s)
    and TLDR News EU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RchwILo7HhQ&t=24s).
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
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