Where MPs normally take to the lectern, pupils will be exchanging arguments at the Youth Speech Forum. According to a press release, 36 young people from Saxony and Brandenburg will take part in the competition in the plenary chamber of the state parliament in Dresden on Saturday. They will debate in groups and give individual presentations.
"The competition of different ideas and opinions is a core element of our democracy, but it must be fair and peaceful. Where better to practise this than in the plenary chamber of the state parliament?" said Alexander Dierks, President of the state parliament. He is looking forward to welcoming the pupils.
A jury, which includes representatives from MDR and ZDF, the Association of German Language Speechwriters and freelance journalists, will evaluate the contributions of the young people from grades 8 to 12. The finalists will be allowed to take to the lectern for a three-minute speech.
This is the 21st time that the Youth Speech Forum has taken place. It is the result of a joint initiative by the Association of German Language Speechwriters and the Saxon State Parliament.
