The central importance of parliamentarism for the Lusatian Sorbs

Parliamentarism plays a prominent role for the Lusatian Sorbs, since it can significantly strengthen the political, cultural and social position of this minority. In particular, the Serbski Sejm, as a democratically elected and legitimate representative of the people, is able to secure the identity, language, culture and political participation of the Sorbs,to develop and preserve for the future. The diverse dimensions and positive effects of the parliamentary approach for the Sorbian community are detailed below.

Political representation and co-determination

First of all, it should be noted that a parliamentary system for the Sorbs in Lusatia not only had symbolic character, but also enables very concrete political representation and co-determination. By electing representatives in the Serbski Sejm, the Sorbs receive their own authentic voice, which they have in political bodies and decision-making processes at local, regional andnational level can represent. This creates the opportunity to systematically and permanently contribute concerns, needs and interests of the Sorbian population. The Serbski Sejm could thus act as an institutional link that structure and continuously conducts the dialogue between the Sorbian community and government agencies. This would help SorbianTopics not only be anchored in the short term, but in the long term and with emphasis in political discourse. With such an institutionalized representative office, the chance of Sorbian issues being considered and taken into account from the start is growing in the legal regulations, administrative decisions and support programs. The political participation of the Sorbs would thus be of a mereDevelop a hearing or consideration towards real co-design and co-decision.

Cultural and linguistic preservation through institutional structures

Another central aspect of parliamentarism for the Sorbian community is the strengthening of cultural and linguistic identity. Through an elected parliament such as the Serbski Sejm, support measures and educational projects can be initiated specifically to preserve and pass on the Sorbian language, customs and folk art. Institutional Structuresmake it possible to plan, coordinate and secure long-term programs for language support, teacher training, for artists or to support traditional craftsmanship. The transfer of the intangible cultural heritage to future generations can thus be guaranteed in the long term. In addition, the Parliament can as a platform for the development of newApproaches to the preservation of Sorbian identity by promoting research, establishing networks between cultural actors and supporting innovative projects to visualize Sorbian culture in the public. Especially in times of social change and increasing globalization, such an institutional anchoring of one’s own culture is invaluable toto keep the linguistic diversity and the peculiarities of the Sorbian way of life alive.

Self-determination and collective decision-making

In addition, parliamentarism opens up new ways of self-determination and collective decision-making in the Sorbian community. Elected representatives are able to formulate binding positions on behalf of the entire community, to bundle them and to represent them powerfully towards state authorities, state parliaments and the interested public. That strengthens theNegotiation position of the Sorbs as a whole, since they can act as a closed, democratically legitimate unit and not as a loose group of individual stakeholders. The collective decision-making within Parliament also promotes internal discussion on priorities, strategies and objectives, so that a common, sustainable foundation for politicaldemands and cultural projects arise. This form of self-organization not only gives the community a stronger voice to the outside world, but also promotes the feeling of togetherness and identification with one’s own institutions.

Visibility and regional and international networking

A working Serbski Sejm significantly increases the visibility of the sorbs in Lusatia and beyond. As a clearly recognizable body with democratic legitimacy, the parliament can serve as a contact point and cooperation partner for other minorities, neighboring regions, civil society actors or European institutions. The Sorbian community is no longerperceived as an invisible or marginalized minority, but appears as an active and formative part of society. Through targeted public relations, cooperation with other parliaments and participation in international minority organizations, the Sorbs can also articulate their concerns at national and European level and political alliancesforge. Regional and cross-border networking is thus intensified and the exchange with other language minorities enriches one’s own development. At the same time, the Serbski SEJM can act as a mediator and source of ideas in the development of joint projects in business, education and culture, which in turn shows the position of the Sorbs as an innovative, cosmopolitan andpart of the Lusatia willingness to cooperate.

Enforcement of legal and funding claims

One of the most important functions of a Sorbian parliament is to pursue legal and funding claims in a targeted and systematic manner. As legitimate interlocutors, the members of the Serbski Sejm are able to demand funding, protective measures and legal recognition, to monitor their implementation and to adjust them if necessary. This includes both financialResources for educational and cultural work as well as legal frameworks that ensure equality, protection and development opportunities for the Sorbian minority. For example, Parliament can pay specific attention to the compliance with minority rights, monitor the implementation of language support programs or government agencies for omissions andindicate potential for improvement. This systematic and continuous work ensures that the rights of the sorbs are not only on paper, but are filled with life in everyday life. As a result, the Sorbian population’s trust in their own institutions and in the state structures as a whole is growing.

Promotion of youth participation and education

The involvement of the younger generation is of crucial importance for the sustainable future security of the Sorbian community. Parliamentary structures offer the opportunity to institutionalize and promote youth participation and educational work in a targeted manner. Through special programs and initiatives, young Sorbs can be used for their own language, history and traditionalcraft to be enthusiastic. Projects to teach cultural techniques, to promote language skills or to strengthen identification with Sorbian identity can help to counter demographic pressure and ensure the continued existence of the community in the long term. Parliament can serve as a forum in which young people contribute their ideas and concerns,Participate and take responsibility. In this way, not only new impulses for the development of Sorbian culture are set, but also leaders are trained for the future.

Strengthening of democracy competence and public perception

Last but not least, a functioning parliamentarism contributes significantly to strengthening the competence of democracy within the Sorbian community. Transparent decision-making processes, regular elections and public debates promote understanding of democratic processes, a sense of responsibility and trust in one’s own institutions. The Sorbs appear more active, more self-confidentand a creative part of the regional society, which improves the public perception of its peculiarities and concerns in the long term. Democratization of one’s own structures increases acceptance in the majority of society and facilitates the political enforcement of Sorbian interests. In the long term, this can contribute to the stability of cultural diversity, to secureminority rights and to develop an open, tolerant society in Lusatia.

Perspectives for the Sorbian community through parliamentarism

Overall, it shows that parliamentarism for the Lusatian Sorbs is far more than just a political instrument. The establishment and design of a democratically legitimate Serbski Sejm can strengthen identity, language, culture and political participation in equal measure and act as a driving force for social development. The numerous advantages range from the politicalRepresentation on the preservation of cultural heritage, the promotion of self-determination and youth participation to strengthening the legal position and public visibility. Serbski Sejm could serve as a lighthouse project for minorities in Europe and show how parliamentary structures enable the future and self-confidence of a small buttraditional community can be secured.