We’re just two days away from the big day. Politicians are making their final push, voters are asking the big questions and activists are making themselves heard.

In this episode of September 26 we are joined by Paulina Fröhlich, the Head of 'Future of Democracy' at Das Progressive Zentrum Berlin.

Paulina takes us through what happens in the hours and days after voting closes at 6pm on Sunday. Will there be massive US style watch-parties or will Germans be on the couch in front of Tagesschau? Will there be exit polls and when will we know who Merkel’s successor is? We look at the ‘new’ ways in which the candidates are connecting with the voters through social media and town hall conversations. And we acknowledge the dangers of having AfD present during the election period, and what their power in certain regions could mean for Germany.

Finally, Paulina shares the vital role that activists play during the election period and after. Looking toward climate action from the Friday’s for Future movement, Greta Thunberg taking part in the Berlin Climate strike, and how this influences parties and their policies.

Thank you Paulina for chatting with us, Pirate Studios for making our recordings possible, and Epidemic Sound for the theme song.

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear more, help us make that happen by donating to our PayPal. The linked account is info@bearradio.org - all donors will receive a virtual hug and a loving shoutout in the next episode.

Our theme song is City Phases by John Abbot, also featuring audio from Deutsche Welle, Deutsche Welle (2), Deutsche Welle (3) and TLDR News EU.