Democracy is not an abstract idea; it is shaped by people. But who are these people? For my long-term project What is Democracy? I have followed members of the German parliament for months—at citizens’ consultations, in heated debates at party meetings, at shooting clubs, and in discussions about accident hotspots at complex intersections.

Their political work is not just about big speeches and decisions. Much of it happens away from the cameras: long train rides between their constituencies and parliament, hours of meetings, and intense conversations with citizens. At a time when politics is often seen as detached or inaccessible, my project seeks to reveal these moments—the small but crucial instances that define democracy in everyday life. My images tell the stories of the people behind the mandates, their work, their challenges, and the often invisible responsibilities they bear. They show a world where politics is not just about power, but also about effort, doubt, and negotiation. Instead of sensationalism or glorification, I take a documentary approach—without commentary or staging, with the intention of making the nuances of political reality visible.