Citizens’ Assemblies as a Response to Anti-Democratic Tendencies – Josef Seethaler in Conversation

On 13 January 2026, the latest episode of the Mandl-Mikro podcast was published under the title “Parlamentarismus und Pressefreiheit gehören zu den Säulen unserer Gesellschaft”. In this episode, Austrian Member of the European Parliament Lukas Mandl speaks with Josef Seethaler.

15.01.2026

The conversation sheds light on Seethaler’s research into anti-democratic tendencies in Europe, conducted in cooperation with ten EU member states. Beyond theory, this work has led to the practical implementation of Citizens’ Assemblies – innovative deliberative formats that have already convened in four European countries. Closely linked to the European Parliament, these assemblies aim to strengthen citizen participation and democratic resilience.

Listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5gkzZQJNWHQWc8RPe0hwVF?si=gveIlndTR4CbyD4KOBY9uQ&nd=1&dlsi=0492daade1e24d24

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Citizens’ Assemblies as a Response to Anti-Democratic Tendencies – Josef Seethaler in Conversation

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