STAD_HUIS On Tour: sofa chat with Quinten Jacobs & Bart Maddens

Is democracy as we know it today still viable? International changes are happening rapidly. Meanwhile, our politicians are bogged down in administrative levels, rules and agreements that stand in the way of fundamental changes of course. Or is it not all that bad after all?

Quinten Jacobs outlines a path towards a democracy that is ready for the major challenges of our time. He discusses this with Bart Maddens, political scientist and member of the Institute for Government at KU Leuven.

After the discussion, you can ask questions or have your book signed.

Quinten Jacobs

Quinten Jacobs (1999) is a constitutional lawyer and teaching assistant at KU Leuven. He is a columnist for De Tijd and a member of the Vrijddaggroep. He is one of the leading voices of a new generation in public debate.

His book “Het Betonnen Beleid” (The Concrete Policy) will be published this autumn. With concrete ideas that can increase the policy space of politicians, “Het betonnen beleid” outlines the path to a democracy that is ready for the major challenges of our time.

Bart Maddens

Bart Maddens (1963) is a full professor of political science at KU Leuven (Institute for Government). He has been researching party and campaign financing in Belgium for a quarter of a century. He regularly writes political columns, with a particular focus on state reform and community issues.

• When: Thursday, 23 October 2025, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: Chapel Hall, Paul Van Ostaijen Building, Erasme Ruelensvest 127 in Heverlee (view on map(external link))
• Language: Dutch
• Price: Pay what you can:
  • €10
  • €12 (suggested price)
  • €14
  • €2.40 with UiTPAS with reduced rate
• Accessibility
  • The room is wheelchair accessible
  • There is a lift
  • More about accessibility Paul van Ostaijen site

The sofa talks are part of the STAD_HUIS On Tour programme, a collaboration between the City of Leuven, 30CC and LOV2030.

Did you know that Leuven's iconic town hall is temporarily closed for restoration? That's why we're bringing this inspiring meeting place to you. At various locations throughout the city, we invite you to reflect, engage in dialogue and take action.

This autumn's theme is “democracy”. Because democracy is something you create yourself, every day. And sitting still is certainly not an option today. Turn inspiration into action or speak up yourself during an event.

On the programme:

• sofa conversations “Thinkers on democracy”,
• documentaries “The Five of Vranckx”,
• duo lectures “From parchment to participation”,
• exhibition “The Democracy Factory” for schools,
• and an innovation lab for young people “Future Generation Lab”.