The tour has kicked off in the city of Bochum, located in the industrial Ruhr Area in the West of Germany. The walk, entitled in German “Der aufrechte Gang” (the upright walk), follows a historic event of the past: 182 years ago 600 farmers from Switzerland had walked to the Swiss city of St. Gallen to demand democracy and people’s sovereignty.

Omnibus is the main organiser of the campaign. The organisation has its beginnings in 1971 and follows German artist Joseph Beuys’ key ideas of freedom and direct democracy. Omnibus demands the referendum as a three-step procedure initiated by the citizens.

Omnibus is a long-standing partner of Democracy International and member of the council. Democracy International officially supports the campaign.

More information:

- Website of the walk "Der Aufrechte Gang"
- Website of the organisation Omnibus

Text by Cora Pfafferott