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Mayor Hanno Benz strengthens democratic structures – Office for Diversity is dissolved
The city of Darmstadt, a center of science and research, is establishing a new central organizational unit: With the Office for Democracy and Social Cohesion, Mayor Hanno Benz is sending a clear signal against anti-democratic tendencies. The new staff unit reports directly to the mayor's office and will be responsible for consolidating political education, the promotion of democracy, and social cohesion. At the same time, the existing Office for Diversity will be dissolved.
Response to current social developments
“Our city needs new ideas and strategies to resolve current conflicts fairly, strengthen democracy, and combat injustice and discrimination,” said Mayor Hanno Benz regarding the establishment of the new unit. Especially in light of growing populist and extremist movements in Germany and worldwide, it is essential to protect and strengthen democratic values.
Benz emphasizes: “Democracy thrives on compromise, respect for differing opinions, and fair treatment of diversity. Our task is to strengthen the political center, counter anti-democratic forces, and promote a society based on tolerance and participation.”
From the Office for Diversity to the Office for Social Cohesion
The restructuring is not merely symbolic, but fundamentally organizational. The existing Office for Diversity will be dissolved – primarily due to structural weaknesses. The departments currently housed there, such as intercultural affairs, WIR project coordination, LGBTQ coordination, and the office of the Foreigners' Advisory Council, will be fully transferred to the new office.
Furthermore, the role of an antisemitism commissioner being newly created, who will simultaneously head the new office. This consolidation is intended to ensure that issues of exclusion, hatred, and group-based hostility are addressed in a coordinated and effective manner in the future.
Political education, integration and participation are the focus
The new office sees itself as a central point for:
- Democracy promotion and political education
- Combating antisemitism, racism and discrimination
- Strengthening citizen participation and civil society initiatives
- Integration of disadvantaged groups into social discourse
- Reducing social tensions
Social cohesion is the central focus: "Democracy must be resilient, but also able to listen. In a city like Darmstadt with its diversity, we need structures that make exactly that possible," said Benz.
Location in the Luisencenter – close to the administration
The Office for Democracy and Social Cohesion will be located in the Luisencenter in the future. Its proximity to the immigration office, citizens' office, and public order office will enable synergies in daily work. With this move, the city is not only responding to the growing challenges of a pluralistic society, but also creating a visible location where democratic work takes place.
Nationally significant signal
With this new office, Darmstadt is clearly positioning itself in a nationwide comparison: As a city of science, a digital pioneer, and a cultural center, Darmstadt is sending a strong signal against social polarization and in favor of democratic participation. The transformation of the Office for Diversity into a cross-departmental, strategic office headed by the mayor can serve as a model for other municipalities.
(Darmstadt - Red/PSD/HO)
