Minorities - Government recognizes the work of the Council of Sorbs/Wends
The Brandenburg State Government has acknowledged the work of the Council of Sorbs/Wends in the Landtag for the benefit of the minority in Lusatia. In the past few years, it has been successful in building digital offers for language learning and maintenance, launching innovative projects for structural change, and increasing the annual funding of the Foundation for the Sorbian People by more than five million Euros, said the State Commissioner for Sorbs/Wends Affairs, Tobias Dünow. The Cultural State Secretary emphasized that this would not have been possible without the engagement of the Council.
The outgoing Chairwoman of the Council of Sorbs/Wends Affairs in the Brandenburg State Parliament, Kathrin Schwella, named among the achievements for the current legislative period the Sorbian/Wendish School Regulation as well as a seat in the Children and Youth Committee of the State. In most Council meetings, issues related to education were discussed.
Call for Elections of the Council
The Council for Sorbs/Wends Affairs is calling on all Sorbs and Wends to participate in the election of the new Council. For 30 years, this body has been working to ensure that the language and culture of the Sorbs/Wends survive and their rights are improved. The five-member Council has a consultative vote in the Landtag. The new Council will be elected by mail - voting is possible until December 15. Since 2015, there has been this direct election.
Participation in the election, anyone who is eligible to vote in Brandenburg, is registered in the electoral roll by December 8, and declares themselves to be of Sorbian/Wendish descent can. For example, one does not need to have familial ties to the Sorbs/Wends.
It's about reaching all Sorbs/Wends in the country, even those not organized in the Domowina - the Association of Sorbs in Lusatia, Schwella said. Many live outside the settlement area. The Sorbs and Wends have been living in Lusatia for roughly 1500 years. The exact number is uncertain. In Saxony, the minority is called Sorbs.
- The recognition and support from the Brandenburg State Government and Parliament have been crucial in the advancement of rights for Minorities in Lusatia, specifically the Sorbs and Wends.
- During its tenure, the outgoing Council of Sorbs/Wends Affairs in Parliament has successfully advocated for initiatives such as the implementation of the Sorbian/Wendish School Regulation and securing a seat in the Children and Youth Committee.
- The upcoming elections for the Council of Sorbs/Wends Affairs in Brandenburg are of significant importance for the minority, as it allows for new representation in Parliament and furtherance of State government programs to preserve and promote their language and culture, including those living outside Lusatia.
