We, a Ukrainian welcome class, were very happy to receive an invitation to visit the German Bundestag from Michael Müller, Member of the Bundestag and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
The excitement among the students was very great, because it was not only the first time where they could visit the premises of a European Parliament, but it was also an exciting guided tour with Mr. Müller.
Overall, we were very impressed by the openness and warm-heartedness of Mr. Müller and his staff as well as the fact that such tours are offered.
Just the feeling that you are concerned about the premises of the institution, where all German politics is made before your eyes (more on that later), makes you very happy and curious at the same time.
Mr. Müller was always open to all questions of the students and discussed with them about the current circumstances of the Ukraine war, which of course moved us the most in view of the situation there. There was a lively exchange because, as has already been mentioned, Mr Müller is a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. And so he shared with us his thoughts, which we have not considered from certain points of view until now. Germany's corona policy and other foreign and domestic policy aspects also led to a lively exchange. And of course Berlin. Because Michael Müller, as the former Governing Mayor of Berlin, had a lot to tell.
After a warm farewell, we were also able to visit the plenary chamber, where parties were discussing various topics. We were very impressed by how open and inviting plenary sessions are for the public. You can literally see how politics is done and what a Member of Parliament does!
The final visit to the Bundestag dome also gave us enormous pleasure. Through the transparent windows down to the plenary chamber and to the outside, you have felt in the middle of the action, where inside and outside something is happening and emerging before your eyes.
Overall, the concept of the Bundestag, which gives people the feeling of being direct actors in politics, has visibly surprised many students!
We were very pleased about this event and many wish to visit the Bundestag again. This day gave many students an even stronger emotional connection to Germany. Because after such days you do not feel excluded, but on the contrary welcome.