On March 25, 2025, a new chapter in German politics began as the Bundestag convened for its inaugural session in Berlin, marking the start of its 21st legislative period. The session, characterized by a mix of festivity and tension, saw Julia Klöckner of the CDU elected as the new President of the Bundestag, making her the fourth woman to hold this prestigious office. Klöckner's election was seen as a significant moment in a parliament that has faced increasing polarization since the rise of the AfD in recent years.
Klöckner, who previously served as the Federal Minister of Agriculture, was elected on the first attempt, receiving broad support from her party and coalition partners. In her inaugural speech, she expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and emphasized the importance of impartiality in her new role. "We must defend our form of government with all our might," she stated, underscoring her commitment to upholding democratic values amidst rising political tensions.
The session was not without controversy, as the far-right AfD party once again faced setbacks. Their candidate for Vice President, Gerold Otten, failed to secure the necessary votes in three rounds of voting, receiving only 184 yes votes against 403 no votes in the final round, alongside 15 abstentions and one invalid vote. This marked a continuation of the AfD's struggle to gain a foothold in the Bundestag leadership, as no AfD candidate has ever received the required votes for a vice-presidential position since the party entered parliament in 2017.
In a heated atmosphere, Klöckner addressed heckles from the AfD, which accused the other parties of forming a "cartel" against them. She firmly rebutted this claim, stating, "I would like to inform you that these are democratic processes of a majority. There is no cartel haggling in this Bundestag." Her remarks reflect the ongoing tensions between the AfD and the other established parties, which have often criticized the far-right group for its divisive rhetoric.
Alongside Klöckner, the Bundestag elected four Vice Presidents: Andrea Lindholz (CSU), Josephine Ortleb (SPD), Omid Nouripour (Greens), and Bodo Ramelow (Left Party). Their appointments were largely seen as a formality, given the support from their respective parliamentary groups. Ramelow, who previously served as the Minister President of Thuringia, expressed his commitment to working collaboratively across party lines.
However, the absence of representation from East Germany in the new Bundestag presidium has drawn criticism. Leipzig Green politician Paula Piechotta highlighted this issue, stating, "Once again, East Germans are underrepresented in the central institutions of the Federal Republic." The AfD's stronghold in eastern states, where it emerged as the dominant party in recent elections, has not translated into representation at the highest levels of the Bundestag.
As the session concluded, MPs sang the national anthem, a traditional gesture marking the end of their first gathering. Klöckner's leadership will be tested in the coming months, as she navigates a parliament marked by growing divisions and a more aggressive tone in political discourse. The previous President, Bärbel Bas, noted a significant rise in calls to order during her term, a trend that reflects the increasingly contentious nature of debates within the Bundestag.
Looking ahead, Klöckner's challenge will be to foster a more respectful dialogue among MPs while addressing the pressing issues facing Germany, including economic stability and social cohesion. The new Bundestag's rules of procedure, which guide its operations, will play a crucial role in shaping how debates are conducted and how conflicts are managed.
In her closing remarks, Klöckner reiterated her commitment to impartiality and fairness, stating, "We must ensure that all voices are heard, even those we disagree with." This sentiment resonates as Germany faces a politically charged environment, with many citizens concerned about the direction of their democracy.
As the new legislative period unfolds, the eyes of the nation will be on the Bundestag as it grapples with the challenges of governance in a time of polarization. The dynamics between the established parties and the AfD will likely continue to dominate discussions, shaping the future of German politics.
