Samuel Brielmaier on Freedom and Political Change
Samuel Brielmaier works at Brand New Bundestag, an organization that goes beyond supporting individual candidates—it aims to transform the way politics works in Germany. In 2021, four out of the fifteen candidates they backed were elected to the Bundestag, demonstrating their growing impact.
The Limits of Freedom
Samuel takes a thoughtful approach when discussing whether freedom has limits. “There’s the classic idea that one’s freedom ends where another’s begins,” he notes. “But in political reality, it’s much more complex. We are constantly negotiating the distribution of resources and rights.”
He emphasizes that expanding freedom often requires addressing inequality: “When we redistribute resources, some gain new freedoms while others may need to relinquish certain privileges. The goal is a fairer, more equal society.”
A Personal Journey
Samuel’s understanding of freedom was shaped early on. As a scout, he met refugee children who couldn’t join a trip to Austria due to their residency status. “Until then, I never thought about how special it is to move freely across Europe,” he recalls. His awareness deepened through his work. He shares the story of Robert, a man who has lived in Chemnitz for 30 years since he was eight months old. Despite speaking perfect German and wanting to work, his stateless status prevents him from employment. “Someone who wants to support themselves is not allowed to work—that’s a profound restriction of freedom,” says Samuel.
Defending Freedom Today
For Samuel, freedom comes with responsibility. “We must reflect on our privileges and work to extend these freedoms to others,” he argues, expressing concern about growing threats to freedom in Germany and Europe. “We see political movements restricting the freedoms of migrants, people with migration backgrounds, and LGBTQ+ individuals,” he warns.
Looking to the Future
Samuel’s vision of freedom is both personal and collective. While he acknowledges the privilege of his German passport, he strives for a future where these freedoms are more widely shared. Through Brand New Bundestag, he helps create pathways for diverse voices to enter politics and shape Germany’s future.
“Freedom is not just an abstract political concept—it has real, everyday implications. And right now, we must stand up for it, especially as it faces threats from the far right.”
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