The newly elected 21st German Bundestag convened for its first constituent session on March 25, 2025, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of Germany. The session, which started at 11:00 AM in the Plenary Hall of the Reichstag building in Berlin, was broadcasted live, encapsulating the formal beginning of a new legislative period.
This new parliament is smaller than its predecessor, comprising 630 members reduced from 733. This shrinkage reflects a change in the composition and dynamics within the Bundestag, a factor crucial for understanding future political alignments and legislative actions.
The constituent session commenced with a ceremonial speech from Dr. Gregor Gysi, a long-serving member from the Left party, who opened the proceedings as the acting president. Gysi, who has been a member since 1990, has seen numerous changes throughout his tenure, effectively symbolizing continuity amidst transition. With this session, his role reminded attendees of both the history and evolution of German parliamentary democracy.
During the session, the Bundestag faced immediate tensions, notably sparked by a procedural motion presented by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which led to a heated debate. The AfD’s move was emblematic of its status as the second-largest faction in the Bundestag and highlighted ongoing divisions in German politics. Their attempts for greater parliamentary control were met with resistance, showcasing the contentious atmosphere that may define this legislature.
Julia Klöckner from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) was nominated as the candidate for the President of the Bundestag. As a former Minister of Agriculture, her candidacy sparked discussions about the CDU's strategy moving forward and its position amid the ongoing coalition negotiations. Klöckner's nomination was perceived as an important test for the CDU, which is eager to regain its footing in German politics after recent electoral setbacks.
The session’s agenda went beyond the elections, with a primary focus on establishing the rules of procedure for the new Bundestag. The constituents are responsible not only for electing the president but also setting the stage for operational guidelines that will govern their future legislative work. No substantive legislative proposals were brought forward during this initial gathering, reflecting the administrative nature of the meeting.
As the session progressed, the atmosphere remained charged yet formal. The assembly is significantly composed of members from legal and administrative professions—459 of the 630 deputies fall into these categories—prompting discussions about the impact such a demographic might have on legislative priorities.
In a significant procedural transition, as the new Bundestag was convening, the previous government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz from the Social Democratic Party (SPD), officially concluded its term. Scholz, along with his cabinet, was present to receive dismissal papers from President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, which marked a critical shift in governance. Until a new coalition is formed, the Scholz administration will remain in office in a caretaker capacity, continuing to manage government affairs while the coalition negotiations proceed. Currently, there is no definitive timeline for the formation of the new government, as these negotiations could take several months.
The new coalition’s configuration raises critical questions. Will Klöckner secure the presidency of the Bundestag, and how will the AfD manage to gain influential positions despite prior failures? With the nuances contained within the party dynamics and the pending negotiations, the next weeks and months promise a significant period for German politics.
The session is anticipated to conclude around 3:45 PM, with the symbolic closure marked by the national anthem, which will serve as a reminder of the continuity of governance even amidst changing political realities. Observers of the proceedings will need to monitor how these discussions and administrative protocols will shape the broader legislative framework of the 21st Bundestag.
