BERLIN — Germany’s new lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, opened its doors on March 25, 2025, marking the first formal gathering since Friedrich Merz's victory in the February 23 election. A whirlwind of political change has swept the nation as the new legislative body prepares to grapple with a landscape fraught with challenges, namely the fragmentations of centrist parties and the emergence of far-right factions.
The new Bundestag consists of 630 lawmakers, 230 of whom are newly elected. This historic session was necessitated not only to welcome the new parliament members but also to address pressing issues following a recent precedent-setting spending revolution. In a last-minute effort before the parliament's reconstitution, outgoing lawmakers approved a revolutionary budget that unlocked hundreds of billions of euros aimed at bolstering defense and infrastructure — a clear response to growing security threats in Europe.
In what is being heralded as one of the most politically significant sessions in post-war history, the AfD has established itself as the strongest opposition, having doubled its seats from the previous legislature to 152. This significant gain for the AfD has raised eyebrows and concerns, with many fearing a potential erosion of democratic norms in a nation long seen as a bastion of liberal values.
Among the new parliamentarians, the youngest is Luke Hoss from the far-left Die Linke, who is just 23. He promises to give away most of his €11,000 monthly salary, a gesture that reflects his controversial stance and commitment to social justice. At the opposite spectrum in terms of age, Alexander Gauland from the AfD takes on the title of the oldest member at 84, with a long history in political discourse that includes contentious remarks downplaying the implications of Nazi history.
Gender representation in the new Bundestag continues to be a subject of criticism, with fewer than a third of the MPs being women. This underrepresentation is particularly dire within the AfD, where only 11.8% of MPs are women, while the proportion is slightly better in the CDU and CSU at 22.6% and 25%, respectively. Remarkably, women constitute 61.2% of representatives in the Greens, suggesting sharp discrepancies across different factions.
Moreover, the new parliament reflects a significant lack of diversity, with only 11.6% of its members having a migration background, a stark contrast to about 30% in the general population of Germany. Zada Salihović, a young MP from Die Linke, expressed concerns about this homogeneity saying, "It's not a coincidence, it's an expression of structural barriers and power relations. When parliaments are so homogeneous, it’s not only the perspective of the majority that’s missing — there’s also a lack of fair solutions."
The opening session will feature an address from Gregor Gysi, the longest-serving parliament member, who began his career in the Socialist Unity Party during the era of communist rule in East Germany. Having dedicated over 30 years to political service, Gysi is an emblematic figure of resilience and continuity in German politics.
With the CDU/CSU now leading the parliament, coalition negotiations have become a focal point. The Christian Democrats and their sister party are engaged in tense discussions with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) to form a stable government before the upcoming Easter break. Notably, the proposed constitutional amendment allowing for debt-financed investment in multiple sectors passed the Bundesrat on March 21, setting a precedent for financial flexibility in addressing current issues.
However, the parliamentary landscape remains fractious. The AfD and Die Linke collectively hold a blocking minority that may complicate future governmental decisions, particularly regarding controversial issues such as military support for Ukraine.
Dario Seifert, 31, is another notable newcomer, having won Angela Merkel's former constituency in a symbolic election victory for the AfD. Seifert once affiliated with the neo-Nazi NPD party in his youth, yet has denounced that past claiming, "I have the right to evolve politically," signaling a broader attempt within the AfD to distance itself from extremist elements.
Meanwhile, Awet Tesfaiesus, a member of the Greens and a prominent figure in advocating for integration, acknowledged the challenges posed by the AfD's rise. She stated, "If the AfD is there, then I also want to be there as a black woman," underscoring her commitment to ensuring that marginalized voices are heard.
The opening of the new Bundestag is not merely a transition of political power; it has significant implications for Germany's future. As these newly elected representatives take their seats, the road ahead promises to be a complex negotiation of competing ideals and values within a shifting political landscape. With core social issues at stake, the new parliament must find ways to navigate the tumultuous waters ahead while striving to represent the interests of a diverse populace.
