On March 25, 2025, the newly elected Bundestag convened for its first session, marking the start of its 21st legislative term. At the forefront of this significant event was the election of key parliamentary leadership, including the presidency and vice presidencies.
Among the significant outcomes of this session was the election of CDU politician Julia Klöckner as the new President of the Bundestag, making her only the fourth woman to hold this prestigious position since its inception. Klöckner garnered 382 votes in her favor, signaling strong support within the assembly. In her first speech as President, she emphasized the importance of fairness and transparency in parliamentary work and urged for a comprehensive evaluation of the electoral law, questioning the effectiveness of assigning seats based on the number of votes received.
While Klöckner’s election was a pivotal moment, the Bundestag also witnessed the nomination of Gerold Otten by the AfD for the Vice President role. Otten, a former military officer, ran for the same position previously but was unsuccessful. The other factions appeared poised to reject Otten’s bid, raising concerns about the representation of the AfD in parliamentary leadership. Otten argued, “The treatment is undemocratic,” suggesting systemic bias against his party.
The Green party nominated Omid Nouripour as their candidate for the Vice Presidency, who managed to defeat Katrin Göring-Eckardt, the former Vice President and a prominent figure in the party, in the internal party vote. Nouripour’s election represents a shift in representation as the party seeks to reinforce its commitment to progress and inclusivity.
Furthermore, the SPD put forth Josephine Ortleb for the same role, marking a notable attempt to enhance female representation in political leadership. Ortleb, who has served since 2017, was recognized for her dedication and experience within the Bundestag.
In contrast to the Green party's proactive adjustments, the Bundestag also saw some discontent regarding the absence of Göring-Eckardt in leadership. Notably, supporters voiced that her presence was essential, considering the pressing issues in Eastern Germany, asserting that it is vital to maintain representation from that region.
The new Bundestag session began with a parliamentary prayer service attended by numerous politicians including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, which set a solemn tone for the day’s proceedings. In further discussions during the session, Gregor Gysi, the oldest member of the Bundestag, addressed the assembly, highlighting the need for mutual respect among members and suggesting the establishment of cross-party committees to facilitate working together on critical issues.
During Gysi’s remarks, he faced protest from CDU MP Sepp Müller, who symbolically read a book criticizing Gysi's past during his speech, signaling the persistent divisions within the parliamentary body. Gysi stressed the importance of understanding diverse perspectives within the context of legislative discussions, stating, “We must learn to respect the differences.”
In addition to leadership elections, ongoing coalition negotiations were also a hot topic. Negotiators from the SPD and Union have proposed abolishing the recently contentious Heating Act, emphasizing a need for fresh legislation that emphasizes long-term emission efficiency rather than short-term efficiency focused on individual buildings. This proposed change reflects broader concerns regarding climate policy and its socio-political implications.
Amid these discussions, the parliament observed a mix of apprehensions and hope as members prepared for a new term. Klöckner’s call for reform, Gysi’s emphasis on respect and dialogue, and varying opinions on the AfD’s representation highlighted the urgent need for constructive collaboration moving forward.
Ultimately, the first session of the new Bundestag encapsulated a sense of continuity amidst change—a youthful congressman stepping into new leadership roles while the old hands clashed over ideologies. As Germany embarks on this current legislative term, the composition of its leadership will undoubtedly shape the discourse in the months to come, making this session one of critical importance.
