Helmut Schmidt took over patronage of the 2010/11 ZEIT DEBATTEN series. Now honorary patron for four years in a row, the former German chancellor and today’s editor of the weekly newspaper DIE ZEIT leads the major German ZEIT DEBATTEN debating series into its tenth year of existence. Convener of the series is the Association of Debating Societies at Universities (VDCH).

VDCH president Tim Richter is glad to have Mr Schmidt on board as patron for the next season’s tournament series. “Chancellor Schmidt shows his sincere interest in debate as basis of our understanding of democracy as well as in encouraging young adults who engage in political, economic and societal questions about which they swap ideas at ZEIT DEBATTEN. There they struggle about ideas and concepts and exercise rhetoric and team spirit”, Richter is delighted. The president of the umbrella association that unites debate societies in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy adds: “We are very proud that a person as pre-eminent in Germany as the former chancellor Schmidt is supporting us.”

Mr Schmidt assures the German speaking debating scene of his support. He is deeply concerned that in the light of politicians who rather enhance their popularity in TV shows profound debate might be subject to further deterioration. Committing in the ZEIT DEBATTEN series, the weekly newspaper DIE ZEIT aims at encouraging young adults to engage in profound and intelligent arguments.

ZEIT DEBATTEN is the name of a debating series hosted by VDCH, Association of Debating Societies at Universities. It is substantially supported by the weekly newspaper DIE ZEIT. For one decade now, the series stages at least five annual tournaments, among them the German Debate Championships (DDM). Since the 2007 season, the former German chancellor Helmut Schmidt has been honorary patron of the tournament series. In the past season, competitions were hosted in Potsdam, Stuttgart, Vienna, Tübingen and Münster. Next season’s venues will be decided upon during VDCH’s general assembly in Kassel on 21 August.

glx / apf