On March 25, 2025, the newly elected Bundestag convened for its first session, officially marking the beginning of the 21st legislative period. With just 630 members—down from 733 due to recent reforms—the atmosphere was rife with anticipation as the session commenced under the helm of Gregor Gysi, who was ushered in as the oldest member of the Bundestag.
Gysi, 77, opened the session at 11 AM, a role he has held since 1990, with a speech that lasted approximately 36 minutes. Known for his sharp political insights and lengthy speeches, he had promised to use this opportunity to voice substantial concerns facing Germany today. “I look forward to this first and only speech without a time limit,” Gysi declared to those assembled.
The session was widely anticipated not just for the speech but also for the election of a new President of the Bundestag, with Julia Klöckner, a prominent member of the CDU party, nominated for the prestigious position. Klöckner would not only become the fourth woman to hold this office but also a significant figure leading the parliament amid varying political dynamics, particularly with the growing influence of the right-wing AfD party.
As Gysi spoke, he touched on critical issues such as poverty, ecology, and the unachieved goals of German reunification, which he argued still impact the nation. His rhetoric, however, did not resonate well with all members present. Some from the coalition parties, including the Christian Democrats and Greens, showed minimal enthusiasm, with notable figures like Armin Laschet departing the chamber during his address. There were clear divisions in engagement, particularly with sections of the assembly remaining silent while others from the SPD offered scattered applause.
In a notable display of political dissent, CDU member Sepp Müller was seen reading a book titled “The Perpetrators Are Among Us: About the Glossing Over of the SED Dictatorship” during Gysi's speech, an act perceived as a protest against the Left party politician.
Yet, Gysi remained undeterred, emphasizing that a robust democracy required engagement beyond mere rhetoric. He called for reforms, including an introduction of cross-party committees focused on essential societal aspects and ensuring a fair representation of citizens’ voices in government decisions. His suggestion to adopt elements from the former East Germany’s governance to improve current political structures drew a mix of reactions, illustrating the complex legacy of Berlin’s divided history.
On the legislative schedule was the election of the Bundestag’s leadership and procedural rules. Each of the significant parties was required to nominate one representative for the vice-presidential positions, a rule that has not been met by the AfD since its entry into parliament—having lost all prior elections for these posts.
The tension surrounding the AfD was palpable as political analysts expressed expectations of predictable contributions from the party. Political scientist Benjamin Höhne remarked that the AfD’s initial addresses followed a familiar narrative, highlighting their tendency to position themselves as victims in the political landscape. This observation underscored the ongoing challenges in integrating this party within the broader democratic conversation in Germany.
The constitutionally mandated timing of the Bundestag’s meeting added a layer of urgency to the proceedings. As per German law, the parliament must reconvene no later than 30 days following the election, which was held on February 23, 2025. This particular session on March 25 was the last designated day for this inaugural gathering.
Notably absent from the new parliament are the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Federal Socialist Party (BSW), both of which failed to surpass the electoral threshold. This has changed the composition of the Bundestag, which now has a reduced number of seats amid discussions of representation and the critical balance of power.
As the proceedings continued, discussions around the composition of the Bundestag made headlines. With a gender representation of only 32.4%, the current assembly has seen a decline in female members compared to the previous electoral cycle, igniting discussions around equality and inclusion in political representation.
As the session drew to a close, Gysi reiterated the necessity of government accountability and the commitment to a more representational democracy. He ended his address with a resolute statement urging lawmakers to build a parliament that bridges the gap between governmental decisions and the citizens they serve.
Today’s opening session has set the tone for a legislative period marked by challenges, discussions of leadership, and the ongoing debate over how to address the needs and voices of all German citizens in a changing political landscape.
