Welcome and brunch:
After their arrival, the students were welcomed with a small brunch, which gave them the opportunity to get in the mood for the program in a relaxed atmosphere and to exchange ideas with each other.
Event in the Marble Hall:
After brunch, the group gathered in the impressive Marble Hall of the Ministry, where the main part of the program took place. The importance of democratic values in everyday political life and the role of young people in political participation were emphasized here.
Discussion with Federal Minister Norbert Totschnig:
A special item on the program was the discussion with Federal Minister Norbert Totschnig. Mr. Totschnig gave us and the other students interesting insights into the ministry's diverse tasks and areas of responsibility, such as promoting sustainable agriculture. The students were able to ask questions about the challenges and goals of the ministry and learned how political decisions shape agriculture and forestry in Austria.
Lunch together in the ministry dining room:
After the discussion, a joint lunch took place in the ministry's dining room. In a relaxed atmosphere, the participants were able to continue the discussions and reflect on the morning's impressions.
Ministry tour:
After lunch we were given a short tour of the ministry. During this tour, they got to know the different departments and got an insight into the daily work and organizational processes within the house.
Tour of Parliament:
The excursion ended with a visit to the Parliament. Here the students were able to get to know the center of Austrian democracy and gain insights into the processes of parliamentary work. The tour of Parliament gave them a better understanding of the decision-making processes that shape Austrian politics.
Conclusion:
The visit to the Federal Ministry and the subsequent tour of Parliament were a valuable experience for the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein. The direct exchange with Minister Norbert Totschnig, the tour of the ministry and the insights into political work strengthened the students' awareness of democratic processes and the country's political structures.