On March 25, 2025, CDU politician Julia Klöckner was elected as the new President of the German Bundestag during a constituent session. In a decisive vote, Klöckner received 382 votes in favor, while 204 members opposed her appointment, with 31 abstentions and five invalid votes. "I gladly accept this election and thank you for your votes and your trust," Klöckner stated after her election, taking over the session leadership from Gregor Gysi, the interim presiding officer.
In her inaugural address, Klöckner highlighted the need to defend democracy and called for respectful debates amongst members of parliament. "Our free democracy is not a given," she asserted, emphasizing that it must be defended against all who aim to shake its foundations. Although she did not mention the Alternative for Germany (AfD) by name, her comments were seen as a clear response to the party’s increasing influence in the Bundestag. Klöckner vowed, "I will fulfill my new position always impartially, calmly, and fearlessly!"
Klöckner urged her colleagues to engage in civil discourse, stating that the manner in which parliamentarians interact directly impacts societal discussions. "We must be fundamentally ready to listen to each other and understand opposing viewpoints, even if we do not share them," she said. She initiated a call for the Bundestag to cultivate a more civilized atmosphere, underscoring the importance of maintaining decorum during debates.
As the 21st Bundestag convenes, it has been notably reduced to 630 members due to electoral reforms limiting representation. Despite acknowledging the necessity of the reforms, Klöckner criticized the implications for newly elected officials: "It is difficult to explain to voters that 23 candidates in their constituencies received the most votes yet did not earn mandates under this election law." The reform, she argued, while aimed at a smaller Bundestag, must also strive for comprehensibility and fairness.
In the session, the Bundestag also began nominating candidates for Vice President positions. The CSU nominated Andrea Lindholz, while the SPD put forward Josephine Ortleb. The Greens endorsed Omid Nouripour, the Left Party nominated Bodo Ramelow, and the AfD proposed Gerold Otten. Historically, the AfD has struggled to gain support for its candidates in these elections.
Prior to Klöckner's election, Gysi, as the oldest member of the Bundestag, led the opening session and emphasized the need for mutual respect and honesty in political dialogue. "If we want to achieve more credibility with the public, we must be careful in our language and avoid attributing the worst motivations to those with opposing views," Gysi remarked. His call for cross-party committees to address critical political issues resonated as he suggested fostering collaboration rather than division.
Moreover, the tone in parliament has notably shifted since the AfD's entry in 2017, which has been characterized by increased tensions among party members. Notably, the number of disciplinary actions, such as reprimands, swelled significantly during the last legislative period, prompting Klöckner and other leaders to reassess decorum in parliamentary interactions.
Ensuing debates focused on further electoral reforms reflecting this sentiment. Klöckner's commitment to nurturing an inclusive parliamentary environment was deemed crucial in restoring public trust—an essential aspect she identified amidst declining faith in political institutions.
In her reflections on the new role, Klöckner cited the importance of engagement with constituents and a willingness to adapt parliamentary procedures to reflect contemporary realities, including improving the representation of women and families in politics. She elaborated on the point, especially regarding legislative challenges representative of societal structures.
The new parliament's initial proceedings were commemorated by an ecumenical service attended by numerous members before the constituent meeting commenced, signaling a traditional acknowledgment of the responsibilities they bear.
In summary, as Julia Klöckner embarks on her role as President of the Bundestag, her strategy prioritizes civility, respect, and the defense of democracy amid a challenging political landscape. Her own experience and determination to create an amicable environment in the Bundestag can potentially redefine the discourse for the 21st legislative period.
