Wide-ranging coalition urges support in European polls

Voting process - Wide-ranging coalition urges support in European polls

A large group of people from North Rhine-Westphalia have raised concerns about the future of democracy and are urging citizens to take part in the European election on Sunday. In a statement published on Friday, Hendrik Wüst (CDU), Mona Neubaur (Greens), churches and religious groups, unions, and theeconomy, all stress the importance of European unity since World War II for the freedom, peace, and prosperity of their country.

The current global circumstances have shown that democratic and open societies face challenges. The war waged by Russia against Ukraine has demonstrated that peace is no longer a given in Europe. In addition, democracy, diversity, openness, and tolerance in Europe are under threat, both from within and outside the continent. Crises and upheavals can cause disunity and insecurity, and these are being exploited by populist and nationalist forces that oppose European integration.

The economy in North Rhine-Westphalia depends greatly on its ties with European Union states, with almost 60% of its trade coming from exchanges with these countries. A strong EU ensures that the regional economy remains competitive on a European and global scale, thus protecting jobs.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, there are over 13.8 million people eligible to vote in the European election. For the first time, 16- and 17-year-olds are also given the opportunity to vote in such an election, amounting to about 305,000 young people. Across Europe, approximately 400 million people are eligible to participate in the election. "This election is a crucial moment in our democratic process," the statement read, "We urge the people of North Rhine-Westphalia to head to the polls! Each vote matters significantly. Whoever goes to the polls has the power to shape the kind of Europe we will inhabit in the future for learning, working, and living."

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1. Mona Neubaur, a prominent Green Party member in North Rhine-Westphalia, echoed the coalition's call, emphasizing the importance of democracy and European unity.
2. In the political landscape of Germany, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in North Rhine-Westphalia, led by Hendrik Wüst, has also emphasized the significance of the European elections.
3. The call for support in the European elections extends beyond North Rhine-Westphalia, as politicians and organizations across Europe urge their citizens to safeguard the values of democracy, unity, and peace.
4. The European elections on Sunday will not only impact the future of North Rhine-Westphalia but also the broader European region, given the intertwined economies and shared history since the end of the Second World War.
5. This Sunday's European elections will take place in the city of Düsseldorf, which, as the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, will be a crucial battleground for political parties seeking to shape Europe's future.
6. Regardless of political affiliations, the European elections serve as a reminder of the importance of participation in democratic processes, ensuring that the voices of citizens in Germany, Europe, and beyond are heard.
7. As Europeans, we must remember the lessons of the past and the fragility of democracy, reaffirming our commitment to a united and diverse Europe that upholds values of democracy, peace, and prosperity for all.

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