New director of HLZ: Kiermeier wants to strengthen and digitize democracy

New director of HLZ: Kiermeier wants to strengthen and digitize democracy

The Hessian cabinet has appointed Franziska Kiermeier as the new director of the State Center for Political Education (HLZ). This decision is part of the efforts of the Christian-social coalition to promote the strengthening and promotion of democracy. State Secretary Benedikt Kuhn praised Kiermeier as an expert who will contribute to the realignment of HLZ with new ideas and impulses.

Kiermeier underlines the need to promote democracy and to clarify their value compared to autocratic systems. The new directors have a broad academic background after studying political science, economy and German studies at the universities in Trier and Lund in Sweden.

professional career and experiences

She started her professional career in the Thuringian State Chancellery, where she worked as head of the public relations department. In 2012 she took responsibility for historical-political education and culture of remembrance at the Institute for City History Frankfurt. There she headed the institute temporarily from 2022 to 2024 and developed a wide range of programs on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the first German National Assembly.

An essential aspect of Kiermeier's plan for HLZ is the expansion of the digital offer. With this she wants to achieve younger target groups even better. HLZ plays a central role in political educational work by giving information about state institutions, provides educational work before elections and provides political decision-making aids such as the Wahl-O-Mat.

focus on democracy and political education

The HLZ has been an integral part of political life in Hesse since it was founded in 1954. She acts partisan for freedom and democracy, but it remains politically independent. A board of trustees of nine members of the state parliament of all parties exclude a party political influence. The main task of the HLZ is to promote freedom-democratic consciousness through public educational work.

The commitment to political education is becoming increasingly important in the context of current debates on the consolidation of democratic values and to prevent extremist attitudes. According to reports, there is growing awareness of the need for strong political education in order to meet the challenges in society. Initiatives such as the planned Democracy Promotion Act aim to stimulate measures to promote democracy and extremism.

Kiermeier recognizes both an important and challenging instrument for political education on social media. It intends to proceed against fake news and disinformation to ensure the integrity of political education. Their goals are also reflected in the statute of HLZ, which emphasizes the political, non -party educational work.

The next steps under Kiermeier's management could be crucial to consolidate HLZ's commitment in the political educational landscape and to develop new, innovative approaches that meet the changing needs of society.