In a historic moment for German politics, the newly elected Bundestag convened for its first session on March 25, 2025, marking the beginning of the 21st legislative period, exactly 30 days after the early election on February 23, 2025. This session held great significance as it not only opened a chapter for the newly elected representatives but also concluded the tenure of the previous government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who was now left with only the responsibilities of a caretaker administration.
The convening of parliament occurred in the esteemed Reichstag building, where guidelines stipulated that the new assembly must meet no later than 30 days following an election. The session began at 11:00 AM, as Gregor Gysi, the longest-serving member since reunification, took the role of 'Alterspräsident' to oversee the ceremonial proceedings. Gysi, who has been a member of the Bundestag since October 3, 1990, opened the session with an expectation to address significant national issues and highlight the duties of the new representatives listening carefully in the room.
At the heart of the session was Gysi's long-awaited speech, said to be his first, only, and unrestrained opportunity to address the parliament without time constraints. His expected lengthy remarks were designed not just to mark the occasion but also to stir thoughtful discussion on various pressing matters facing Germany.
Gysi’s address commenced with a poignant acknowledgment of the political landscape, explicitly rebuking the ongoing war in Ukraine and reiterating that dissent towards peace advocates should never devolve into name-calling.
“We must never allow those advocating for a stronger Bundeswehr to be labelled as war mongers,” he declared, urging unity and understanding. At various points, he discussed the structural challenges within domestic policy, touching upon education, taxation, and healthcare reform. He argued vigorously against the prevailing trends of austerity in sectors critical to societal welfare.
“In certain areas, we can never afford to economize,” he asserted, emphasizing that areas like health, science, and education deserve relentless investment. Gysi beckoned for a national consensus, suggesting diverse perspectives should gain representation in political discourse.
Amidst a welcoming atmosphere, Gysi recognized the presence of key political figures, including Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Steinmeier attended the ceremonial occasion, reinforcing the significance of the new beginning, albeit mindful that the previous government was now functional on a caretaker basis.
Meanwhile, the session wasn’t devoid of conflict, as the AfD party seized the moment to propose a change in parliamentary rules. They suggested reinstating a procedure that would allow the oldest member to assume the role of Alterspräsident, as was in practice prior to 2017. The party's candidate for this position, Alexander Gauland, being the oldest member, is a figure surrounded by controversy and debate. This proposal, however, was met with opposition from all factions except for the AfD itself, highlighting the ongoing fractious nature of German politics.
The main relevance of these parliamentary procedures centers around the functioning and governance of the Bundestag moving forward. The conflicts during this first session illustrate how polarized opinions remain, particularly between the mainstream parties and the far-right AfD faction.
Later, as the day unfolded, Gysi ended his remarks with a commitment to foster a parliament that ventures closer to the people it represents, stating, “I wish for a Bundestag that steps closer to those whom we represent.” His concluding thoughts encapsulated a desire to enhance inclusivity in decision-making.
The specifics of parliament’s functioning were also laid down in the first session. The establishment of new parliamentary rules and the election of a president were scheduled upon the close of Gysi’s remarks. Speculations hinted at the CDU’s Julia Klöckner taking the helm as the new Bundestag President, following her nomination by Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Union faction. Klöckner’s ascent aligns with the historical precedent where the largest party traditionally secures the parliamentary presidency.
While tensions were palpable in the room, the new dynamic of the Bundestag, with reduced members—now only 630 as opposed to 733 in the previous assembly—calls for a redefined engagement and collaboration among the varying political factions. This alteration necessitated physical changes within the assembly chamber, including the removal of over 100 chairs to reflect the newly elected members.
The conclusive parts of the day included various introductions of the new representatives, with attention centered not only on party affiliation but also on efforts to improve diversity within parliamentary roles. The conversation around gender representation was also a hot topic, as measures were discussed to ensure a higher inclusion of women post-elections.
Reflecting upon the first session, the new Bundestag stands at an important juncture amidst a backdrop of a changing Europe and ongoing global challenges. The issues raised in Gysi's inaugural address resonate across party lines and reflect a commitment towards embarking on a path of constructive governance that prioritizes welfare and peace.
As Germany transitions to this new parliamentary composition, the intricate dance of political partnership and opposition continues to evolve, highlighting that despite the challenges ahead, the foundation for democratic discourse remains robust, if not turbulent.
