Great challenges require new approaches

At the invitation of the Council for Sorbian Affairs of the Free State of Saxony, a group of MPs from the Serbski Sejm met with representatives of the Council on January 31st for an initial constructive exchange. The particular focus of the intensive exchange was the presentation and exchange of positions on strengthening the Sorbian education system and amending the Saxon Sorbian Law. Aneta Zahrodnikowa, Chairwoman of the Committee on Education of the Serbski sejm, explained to the council representatives the short and medium-term measures as well as the long-term ideas of the Serbski sejm to strengthen the Sorbian education system and to revitalize the Sorbian language. She paid particular attention to the effective Implementation of structures by strengthening self-determination and self-management in the field of education. Ms. Zahrodnikova emphasized that the specific needs of the Sorbs and Wends can only be covered through focused implementation.

The amendment to the Saxon Sorbian Act was another focus of the agenda. The participants in the discussion agreed that an amendment to the Saxon Sorbian Act is necessary. The members of the Serbki Sejm reiterated the demand for a state treaty between the German state and the Sorbs. Hajko Kozel, Chairman of the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs of the Serbski Sejm, explained to the council members the necessity and advantages of a transnational state treaty. In this way and in accordance with existing state treaties, a comprehensive, viable and lasting solution could be created on a constitutional basis.

At the end of the one and a half hour meeting, Tomaš Čornak, head of the electoral committee, informed the Council for Sorbian Affairs about the planning of the upcoming elections for the second legislative period of the Serbski sejm.

Despite the fact that the interlocutors have different opinions regarding the speed and concrete implementation options, it became clear that there is broad agreement on the fundamental goals and priorities that urgently need to be implemented in the coming years.