Günther Jauch receives the Democracy Prize in Heilbronn – A sign for young people!

Günther Jauch receives the Democracy Prize in Heilbronn – A sign for young people!

On October 9, 2025, the “Württemberg Heads” democracy prize was awarded in the Heilbronner Harmonie, and the coveted prize went to the well-known presenter and journalist Günther Jauch. The event, which is organized by the “Württemberg Society”, honors outstanding personalities who set an example with their exemplary actions and their commitment to the free-democratic basic order. Jauch is characterized not only by his popular TV presence, but also by his extensive social commitment, as SWR reports.

With his decision to donate the advertising revenue from his television show to social causes, Jauch shows his deep understanding of social responsibility. At the award ceremony, he announced that the prize money of 100,000 euros would go to projects that care for children and young people. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, FDP European politician, gave a moving speech in honor of the award winner as a laudator.

A new category for young talent

A special highlight of this year's award ceremony was the first-ever award of the “Young Minds” Prize. This goes to a club from Gerabronn that organizes the “Zukunftswiesen Summit”, an event that is scheduled to take place at the Arena Hohenlohe in Ilshofen at the end of April 2026. The prize is endowed with 5,000 euros and is intended to promote the commitment of young people to the basic democratic order, as Württemberger Kopf also reports.

The patronage of the event was Thomas Strobl, the deputy prime minister of Baden-Württemberg, and Cem Özdemir, the former federal minister. In their speeches, both emphasized the importance of social cohesion and political participation, especially among young people.

A look at the previous award winners

The “Württemberg Heads” democracy prize is considered the most valuable democracy prize in Germany. In recent years, personalities such as Hartmut Engler, Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller and Joschka Fischer have been honored. This year's honoring of Günther Jauch is seen as a sign that society needs personalities who lead by example.

After the award ceremony, Günther Jauch signed his name in the Golden Book of the city of Heilbronn. The event not only moved those present, but also sent a strong signal about the value of democracy and social engagement in society.