Appeal by Sorbian/Wendish personalities for the election to the 2nd Serbski Sejm
On January 29, at a press conference in the German-Sorbian Folk Theatre, important Sorbian/Wendish persons addressed their appeal to the Sorbian/Wendish people to participate in the election to the 2nd Serbski Sejm.
The press conference was chaired by Benedikt Dyrlich who, together with other signatories of the appeal who were present, emphasised the importance of the election of the Serbski Sejm and a broad voter turnout. In their speeches, they explained why this election represents a landmark decision for the Sorbian community.
First signatory Tomaš Rječka emphasised: ‘The key to the continued existence of our language lies in the school environment for our children. These must be in our hands. Educational autonomy with a strong peoples representation is the right way to achieve this. Therefore, elect the Serbski Sejm so that it can enforce this demand!’
Co-signatory Tomasz Nawka adds: ‘History teaches us that our people, without their own decision-making power, are always dependent on the goodwill of the majority society. We are therefore the pawns of the interests of others. For over a hundred years, the aim has been to overcome this powerlessness. With the Serbski Sejm, this vision is within reach. I therefore call on everyone to vote and to place their trust in good candidates.
Another focus of the press conference was the presentation of the key points of the education concept, the draft state treaty and the constitutional process that emerged from the work of the 1st Serbski Sejm. The drafts and concepts can be viewed at www.serbski-sejm.de in the Documents menu.
The text of the appeal and the list of signatories are attached. These are Tomaš Rječka, Marko Suchy, Dr Christiana Piniekowa, Dr Grit Lemke, Dr Viktor Zakar, Hella Stoleccyc, Róža Domašcyna, Benedikt Dyrlich, Reiner Nagel, dr. Pětr Kroh, Lutz Hillmann, Hanka Jenčec, Alexander Pólk, Wolfgang Krause, Ludmilla Budarjowa, Alfons Wićaz, Maja Nagel, Pawoł Rota, Jens Zahrodnik, dr Pětr Wjacławk, Matthias Körner, Křesćan Krawc, Cosima Stracke-Nawka, Tomasz Nawka, dr Arnošt Wirth and dr Měrćin Wałda.
The election to the 2nd Serbski Sejm as a purely postal vote began in 2024 and will take place in parallel with the Bundestag election. Until 27 February 2025, voters can register for the election on the election website www.serbski-sejm-2024.de and view profiles and photos of the candidates in order to make an informed decision.
Anyone aged 16 and over who feels they belong to the Sorbian/Wendish people, whether because of their origin, language, culture, place of residence or for other reasons, is called upon to vote.