Next stop: Witten Town Hall - About Christian Walker's path from PPE studies to politics
Christian Walker completed his Master's degree in PPE - Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at UW/H in 2019, paving his way into politics.
As a member of Bündnis 90/Die Grünen, Christian Walker has been an active member of Witten's city council for many years and contributes to the community in a variety of ways through his voluntary work. Now the UW/H graduate wants to know more and is running for mayor. He talks to us about the upcoming local elections on 14 September 2025, the issues he is passionate about and the advantages of being a generalist.
Was there a moment in your life when you realised that you wanted to get involved in politics?
Before studying in Witten, I completed a double bachelor's degree in International Business and Management Studies. At the time, I was very career-orientated and really wanted to go into business. The turning point came during my voluntary social year. I worked with adults with severe and multiple disabilities in a day support centre. This experience was very formative for me and awakened in me the desire to make a positive change in the world. Shortly afterwards, I enrolled at the UW/H and was able to get involved in various student initiatives. In 2016, I took the next logical step for me and became a member of the Green Party.
You have already been involved in many different ways in Witten, from the inclusive café in the Kulturstall to the repair café and work with children and young people. What does commitment to the community mean to you?
The way I see it, you have a choice: if I don't like something, I can either complain or make a difference myself. I don't necessarily have to be active in party politics to do this. I find it very enriching to be able to help shape things directly through voluntary work and thus experience self-efficacy. Many of my friends who also do voluntary work radiate an incredible sense of satisfaction. That's something worth striving for.
What characterises your personality and your political actions?
I have now lived in Witten for more than ten years and have deep roots in the city, but I grew up in North Friesland. A well-known North Frisian motto has shaped me a lot: "Rüm hart - klaar kiming" - which translates as "wide heart - clear horizon". Cosmopolitanism and tolerance are very important to me. In my opinion, anyone who aspires to a political position such as mayor should be a philanthropist - and have a calm demeanour.
You have been a member of the City Council since 2020 and your work for Verena Schäffer, MdL, and Janosch Dahmen, MdB, has already given you a deep insight into political processes at all political levels. Now you are running for mayor. When did you make the decision and what have you learnt about yourself since running for office?
The decision took a long time to mature within me. I asked myself the questions: "Do I want this?" and "Can I do this?" I realised that I had to go all out in order to bring about the changes that were important to me. In the end, however, the support of the other party members is what counts most. We have prepared the candidacy together over the last year and a half and stand united.
As I've been following politics from the so-called second row, the sudden spotlight was of course a change. In the meantime, I've got used to the public eye, have become more relaxed and enjoy the competition. I've also learnt that political work requires a good dose of "can-do" attitude, i.e. patience and tenacity. Change doesn't happen at the snap of a finger
What skills from the PPE programme at UW/H help you in your current position?
When you study PPE, you quickly learn how philosophy, politics and economics intertwine. Recognising interfaces and connections, using them and mediating between different stakeholders when necessary is crucial for my day-to-day work in politics. One day I'm dealing with noise protection concepts, the next with welfare work. My skills as a generalist are in demand here: during my studies, I learnt to quickly familiarise myself with complex issues.
Imagine you win the election. It's 2030 - what do you look back on?
Witten's city centre is flourishing - both literally and figuratively: sealed areas have been replaced by green spaces, shops and cultural institutions have filled vacancies and the neighbourhoods are coming to life. We need meeting places that benefit older people, new families and single parents in particular.
Traffic has become safer and more equal - for pedestrians and cyclists, for cars and public transport.
And: the federal and state governments have recognised that local authorities must be freed from debt and be financially capable of acting. This is the only way we can realise innovations through smart and sustainable investments - especially in terms of climate protection.
I am confident that we can achieve these goals.
And what do you wish for UW/H?
If you look closely, you will see that the 3,500 or so UW/H students are already active in many areas of the city and public life - whether in the emergency services, the volunteer fire brigade, catering, cultural institutions or the child protection association. The personal commitment of each and every individual is enormous! Nevertheless, I sometimes have the impression that the UW/H is not yet fully integrated into the cityscape, perhaps due to its decentralised location. The diverse networking activities and the Studium fundamentale programme are already working against this and ensure encounters and exchange. As part of the university community, I would like to continue to work on the self-image of the university town of Witten and encourage students to get involved in the common good of their place of study.