On Sunday 28 June from 5 pm at Gleispark, we want to find out exactly that. Together with you.

Prof. Dr Marius Sältzer will be providing the academic perspective: he is a professor of Digital Social Science at the University of Oldenburg and conducts research into political communication, social media and party politics. He will explain how populist messages work, why they resonate so well on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram – and where the line between them and hate speech lies.

Nicole Piechotta brings the political perspective: she is chair of the SPD in Oldenburg and a local politician – and knows from her own experience what populist dynamics feel like in everyday political life.

Dr Alaa Alhamwi is a Member of the Bundestag for Alliance 90/The Greens representing the Oldenburg-Ammerland constituency and is active himself on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. He is familiar with populist dynamics in everyday political life – both online and offline.

You won’t just be sitting on the sidelines. We want your questions, your experiences, your views – there’ll be plenty of space for them in the discussion afterwards.

From 7 pm, the evening will wind down in a relaxed atmosphere: with music, drinks and conversations that you can continue yourself.

✅ Free entry

✅ Professional childcare available on site

This project is supported by Partnerships for Democracy Oldenburg (PfD). PfD is run by the Oldenburg Prevention Council and the Office for Immigration and Integration. It is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth as part of the federal programme “Demokratie Leben!”.