My name is Nicolas Kersten, I’m 23 years old and your lead candidate and ward candidate for the centre of Gangelt (Ward Gangelt III).
Gangelt has been my home since I was a child. I grew up here, went to school here and met inspiring people here.
Even at school, as class representative and deputy head of the student council, I enjoyed standing up for other people’s concerns. It mattered to me to listen, to find solutions and not just make empty promises. That drive to really make a difference is still with me today.
I’m currently studying architecture at a renowned university – a field that has fascinated me since childhood. Even back then I followed building projects closely, and that passion has kept growing over the years.
What fascinates me most is how architecture shapes the face of a town or village and can improve its residents’ quality of life. I’m interested not only in individual buildings, but in the bigger picture – urban planning. My goal is to help build the “town of tomorrow”: places that are functional, beautiful and sustainable.
I’m convinced that through smart planning, the careful preservation of listed landmarks, the upgrading of existing buildings and environmentally conscious design of the places we live in, we can improve not only how our town looks, but also how we live together, socially and ecologically. That is exactly where I want to bring in my passion for architecture and urban design – for a liveable environment in which every generation feels at home.
Why Bündnis 90/Die Grünen?
Just being loud isn’t enough if you really want to change things. I quickly realised that real change needs political commitment – with responsibility, staying power and the will to actively shape things. In Bündnis 90/Die Grünen I found exactly that: a party that doesn’t just name problems, but offers concrete, forward-looking solutions.
My priorities:
• Sustainable mobility
For me, mobility means more than a car or a bike. I want every part of the municipality to be reachable by different means of transport – through flexible services such as on-demand ridepooling, car and bike sharing, and reliable, affordable public transport. That helps young people, older generations and commuters alike.
• Building responsibly
As an architecture student, I know we need to build faster, but also in a more climate-friendly way. Climate-conscious construction, infill development, using less land, mixed-use buildings, more greenery, reusing building materials and faster planning permission all go together if we want to tackle the housing shortage sustainably. I also want to campaign for affordable housing.
• Digital public services and more participation
We need a modern administration that cuts red tape, makes decisions more transparent and makes digital processes the norm – less paper, more efficiency. Residents should also be more involved in political decisions and be able to follow council debates online.
• Europe on our doorstep
In the Euregio, Europe is part of everyday life. Open borders, exchange and solidarity can’t be taken for granted – they need to be protected and strengthened. European politics starts right here, by creating prospects for a peaceful and united Europe.
My goal:
I’m convinced that today we have a responsibility to shape a better tomorrow. That’s why I’m active in the Greens – with a passion for our municipality and a clear eye on the future.
Yours,
Nicolas Kersten
My ward covers the following streets:
- Am Bongert
- An der Weißdornhecke
- Bruchwiese
- Frankenstraße
- Gangilusstraße
- Hanxler Straße
- Hof Grünental
- Kritzraedstraße
- Mercator Straße
- Pastor- Fischenich- Straße
- Pastor- Schleyer- Straße
- Peter- Stass- Straße
- Sittarder Hecke
- Willi- Schürgers- Ring
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