An internal power struggle is brewing within the Green Party as multiple candidates vie for the Vice Presidency of the Bundestag. Most recently, on March 16, 2025, Claudia Roth, the incumbent Minister of Culture, entered the race, joining Katrin Göring-Eckardt and Omid Nouripour, who had already submitted their applications.
This competition is particularly noteworthy because such personnel matters within parliamentary factions are typically resolved internally, rather than through public candidacies. Göring-Eckardt, who has held the Vice Presidency, cited her East German heritage as pivotal to her candidacy. She stated, "Wir sollten als Partei und Fraktion diesen Teil unseres Landes nicht den rechten Scharfmachern überlassen," highlighting the need for representation from East Germany against far-right ideologies.
Omid Nouripour, the former party leader, framed his candidacy around his extensive experience and the lessons learned from different positions. He expressed the importance of building bridges and fostering respectful discussions beyond party lines, saying, "Brücken zu bauen, unterschiedliche Perspektiven zusammenzuführen und respektvolle Debatten zu fördern – weit über Parteigrenzen hinaus." His approach emphasizes inclusivity at a time when political cohesion seems most lacking.
Roth's entry has intensified the competition as she reflects on the current political challenges. Her prior experience as Vice President from 2013 to 2021 lends her candidacy significant weight. She remarked, "Es sind genau diese Zeiten, in denen all das, was ich mitbringen kann und mitbringen will, einen Unterschied für und an dieser Stelle machen kann," underscoring her belief in the impact of strong leadership during tumultuous times. Roth is advocating for the Green Party to adopt "wieder ein scharfkantigeres Profil," which translates to the need for a sharper profile to counteract rising populist sentiments.
The newly elected Bundestag is set to convene for its constituent session on March 25, 2025. This session will not only install the President but also determine the other key leadership roles within the Bundestag Presidium, which includes the Vice Presidents.
Holding the Vice Presidency allows for prestige and influence within the German parliamentary system, with roles traditionally filled by representatives from each parliamentary faction. Interestingly, the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has been excluded from these positions since its entrance to the Bundestag in 2017, raising questions about their influence on German politics.
With Roth, Göring-Eckardt, and Nouripour each presenting unique credentials, this contest will likely be closely watched by party members and the public alike. The political stakes are high as the candidates not only seek personal advancement but also aim to define the future direction of the Green Party and its stance against opponents on the political spectrum.
The outcome of this election for the vice presidency will have lasting impacts on the party's platform and its approach to policies as it faces challenges from both the government and rising opposition forces. Observers will be eager to see how these dynamics play out in the upcoming elections and throughout the legislative period.