Debate night: Should rich people have more power?, Tue, Apr 8, 2025, 7:30 PM

A recent Opinium poll (January 2025) reveals that 63% of UK residents believe the wealthy wield excessive influence. As current global events unfold, the implications of affluent individuals in politics become increasingly evident. Across various nations, the intersection of wealth and power presents diverse outcomes, prompting discussions on how to effectively manage their sway.

Join us as we explore:
1. Is our world evolving into a bro-ligarchy or a plutocracy?
2. What advantages, if any, arise from the continued dominance of the affluent?
3. What strategies—such as taxation, political safeguards, and legal frameworks—can be implemented to curtail the influence of the wealthy?

IMPORTANT: Our gathering will take place in a public café, and the café staff will not be part of our event. To locate us, proceed directly to the orange seating area along the long wall adorned with numerous photos, or refer to our comments below for additional guidance!

EVENT DETAILS
Time: Attendees will mingle for approximately 20-30 minutes until most participants and the moderator arrive. The debate itself will last around 60-90 minutes, followed by additional mingling.
Location: Curzon Aldgate (café/bar area), 2 Canter Way, E1 8PS
Nearest stations: Aldgate East, Aldgate, Tower Hill/Gateway
Cost: Guests are responsible for their own meals and beverages. The bar offers a variety of options including tea, milkshakes, drinks, pizza, hotdogs, and snacks (with plant-based alternatives available).

OUR HOSTS
We feature a rotating team of hosts, so the individual leading each event may vary. Our regular attendees are also on hand to assist with any questions you may have.

HOW TO LOCATE US
Look for the row of orange chairs adjacent to the long wall with numerous photographs. Please wait there until you see a gathering or one of our team members identifies you. Additionally, feel free to check the comments below for any specific instructions. Do not inquire with the cinema bar staff about our group.

DEBATE STRUCTURE
The format may vary based on attendance, but typically includes a structured group discussion similar to Model United Nations (MUN) debates. Generally, the flow is as follows:
- Introductions and initial thoughts (~15 minutes)
- Breakout discussions on each question (~25 minutes per question)
- Concluding opinions round (~20 minutes).

EVENT GUIDELINES
(Expectations & Rules)
- Focus on debating the topic rather than personal attacks on participants.
- No use of mobile phones, no interruptions, and no bystanders.
- Always adhere to the instructions and guidelines set by the moderator/host.

ABOUT WORLD CITIZENS
We are one of London's largest and longest-standing communities, established in 2012. Our mission is to facilitate social interactions, cultural activities, and thought-provoking discussions that encourage meaningful exchanges and learning among professionals from around the globe. Please note: like many guests, our volunteer hosts may arrive after the event starts. If you arrive early, we invite you to start mingling or grab a bite—after all, that’s the essence of our events! Our regular members are also available to assist with any basic inquiries.

*EXPLORE OUR OTHER WEEKLY EVENTS*
- Evening socials every Tuesday and Friday
- Saturday afternoon café in Chelsea
- Outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking, etc.) every Sunday
- Alternating pub quiz or Canary Wharf evenings on Wednesdays
- On-demand dining, cultural, and travel experiences

JOIN OUR TEAM!
We are a volunteer-driven organization. If you enjoy organizing events and meeting incredible people regularly, reach out to our team account "TP"!

DISCLAIMER
This is a 100% volunteer-run initiative. While we strive for careful planning and organization, this is an informal private gathering; thus, we cannot be held liable for any damages or inconveniences. However, we prioritize safety and comfort. We take all feedback seriously and will take necessary action against any form of harassment or anti-social behavior. We may collaborate with law enforcement if required. Photographs and videos may be taken during the event for promotional purposes in compliance with GDPR Data Protection laws. We reserve the right to manage guest attendance for safety, quality, and logistical reasons. While our administrative decisions may not always be flawless, we appreciate your understanding and encourage you to address any concerns privately after the event. By attending, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.
Image credit: Pexels/Unsplash