It represents the young people of Erlangen and consists of 15 honorary members. The term of office lasts two years.

The youth parliament takes up the suggestions and interests of Erlangen's young people and represents them to the city council and the city administration. Above all, of course, it is called upon to support politicians and the administration on youth-specific issues.

In addition to the right to submit motions, the Youth Parliament has its own annual budget. Upon request, it can also be given the right to speak in various committees.

It must hold at least five public meetings per year. Not only members are allowed to speak, but also guests. In addition, the Youth Parliament holds internal working sessions as required.

The Youth Parliament is supported by a permanent member of staff from the Mayor's Office and Press Office (office).

Lord Mayor Florian Janik has commissioned the office of the Youth Parliament with the preparation, implementation and follow-up of the election. He has appointed the head of the "City Council Affairs" department in the Mayor's Office and Press Office as election supervisor. The costs of the election will be borne by the City of Erlangen.

Young people who at the time of voting

• are between 12 and 18 years old and
• have had their main place of residence in Erlangen for at least three months.

They will be informed of the election by letter.

All young people who are between

• are between 12 and 18 years old and
• have had their main residence in Erlangen for at least three months.

Young people will be contacted by the City of Erlangen in July 2025 and made aware of the election.

Nominations can be submitted until September 26. The nomination form will be sent to all eligible voters by letter by the end of July and must be completed and signed. Then please send it to the City of Erlangen by letter, e-mail or fax. It can also be posted in the mailbox at the town hall.

Anyone who no longer has the nomination form can request it. You can find the contact details here.
Alternatively: Call up the nomination form here

The city of Erlangen is setting up several polling stations. Young people will be informed of their location by letter in mid-October. Each person entitled to vote can cast up to 15 votes in total. A maximum of three votes may be awarded to the same candidate. However, no more than a total of 15 votes may be awarded. If there are more than 15 votes, the ballot paper is invalid. However, fewer than 15 votes can be awarded.

Photo: Voting in the 2016 election at a school in Erlangen; Photo Press Office rh

Counting will take place in the town hall from November 3. The results will be available on November 5 or 6.

The newly elected Youth Parliament will meet for the first time on Thursday, November 27. The meeting will take place in the town hall (14th floor, conference room). It will start at 15:00. Further dates can be found on the Youth Parliament website at www.erlangen.de/jugendparlament.

Jana, a member of the Youth Parliament since November 2023: "I was happy to be part of the Youth Parliament because I wanted to represent and actively shape the interests of young people in our city of Erlangen and see the office as a good opportunity to do so. I particularly like the fact that you can implement your own projects and that our voice is heard. Working together with other committed young people is fun and shows how much we can achieve together. For me, the Jupa is a real, tangible opportunity to make a difference."

Marissa, a member of the Youth Parliament since autumn 2024: "I took part in the Youth Parliament because I think it's very important to get involved, especially at a young age, and the Youth Parliament also gives me the opportunity to have a say in projects such as the Environmental Award or the Volunteer Award. It's fascinating what Erlangen has to offer and the Jupa organizes great activities that, among other things, strengthen democracy and a sense of community. A real enrichment, without spending a lot of time."

Sarah and Sophie, both were in the Youth Parliament until November 2020:

"The youth parliament is, in short, the representation of young people's interests in Erlangen's politics. We can take part in discussions on all topics and express our opinions. However, our most powerful tool is the motions we can submit to the city council. In a short text, we formulate a wish or a concern that we have previously discussed. The city council then has to vote on these within three months. For example, we managed to get deposit rings fitted to every newly installed garbage can."

"Meetings are not as boring as you would expect from politics"

The youth parliament has to hold at least five meetings a year. Sarah and Sophie again: "Meetings aren't as boring as you would expect from politics, although some things sound a bit formal at the beginning. First of all, every meeting is announced at least seven days in advance, including the agenda. The agenda contains all the topics to be discussed that evening. On the corresponding day, the chairperson opens the meeting. He or she leads the youth parliament through the meeting and gives the floor. Our meetings are generally open to the public. Anyone can attend them. All participants have the opportunity to introduce and discuss their own topics. Regardless of whether they are a member or not. The most important task of a meeting is to pass resolutions. Motions that have already been discussed are either accepted or rejected by the members. New actions are also discussed at the meetings."

The office of the Youth Parliament provides information about its activities in a newsletter about five to eight times a year. The newsletter can be ordered free of charge.

Order newsletter here