Brantner engages in conversation with Strobl.
Follow Along: Special Session in the German Bundestag on the Multi-Billion EUR Package
While Florian Oßner (CSU) is speaking, Green Party Leader Franziska Brantner and Baden-Württemberg Interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CDU) engage in a lively discussion at the Bundesrat bank. Both hail from the southwest.
13:30 Von Storch vs. Pellmann: A standoff over the immediate convocation of the 21st Bundestag
After Sören Pellmann (Left) delivers a speech, Beatrix von Storch (AfD) questions why the Left Party didn't support the AfD's proposal for an immediate convocation of the newly elected German Bundestag. von Storch passionately proclaims: "History will judge that the 21st Bundestag should have been convened!"
Pellmann responds that the Left Party had indeed recommended this in the Ältestenrat, but the majority rejected the proposal. Moreover, they had "suggested that this issue be clarified in Karlsruhe." However, the Federal Constitutional Court ruled that it was acceptable to convene the old Bundestag. A second Left Party lawsuit was also dismissed by Karlsruhe, leaving them no other legal option.
13:21 Fricke's rousing speech: Schiller, not Shakespeare, is the man of the hour
Otto Fricke (FDP) delivers a rousing provisional final speech, recognizing that today marks the ninth anniversary of the death of former FDP leader Guido Westerwelle. He criticizes the proposed abolition of the debt brake and takes a shot at the AfD, asking about Rhineland-Palatinate and Saxony-Anhalt's intentions in the Bundesrat on Friday. Fricke also notes that, with the traffic light coalition now history, Shakespeare quotes are no longer being used in the Bundestag; it's now all about Schiller.
13:11 Kindler takes a deep breath before delivering a heartfelt farewell speech
In a reflective speech, Green Party MP Sven-Christian Kindler shares his feelings about the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia's cyber-attacks, and the cynical propaganda of the AfD, as well as the situation in the US and its foreign threats. He remarks on the authoritarian Alliance from east and west targeting the very foundation of the European peace and security order.
Kindler, who is stepping down from politics, refers to this speech as his "final, final" speech in the Bundestag. He's been advocating for a reform of the debt brake for four legislative periods, and while he hasn't fully succeeded, he feels happy and proud that his formulations will be included in the Basic Law in the future.
13:03 The Parliament's Thinning Ranks: Fewer heavyweights in the plenary
As the debate progresses, fewer influential speakers can be seen as the importance of their positions, as measured by their offices, gradually decreases. The thinner rows of seats in the plenary reflect this shift.
12:52 Müller sounds the irony of history: The decline of infrastructure and the Bundeswehr under the Union and SPD
FDP politician Alexander Müller sees the irony in the Union and SPD, who have let infrastructure decay and slashed the Bundeswehr, now wanting to "go all out."
12:50 The Greens steer security decisions: Brugger reveals the true trailblazers of security measures
Green defense politician Agnieszka Brugger praises the German Bundestag for approving decisions on IT security, financing of intelligence services, civil and population protection, and support for Ukraine. She credits the Greens, not the CDU/CSU, for pushing these decisions through, as the latter "followed their self-proclaimed competence for security."
12:40 Strobl expresses gratitude for the planned strengthening of civil protection
After Schweitzer, Baden-Württemberg's Interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CDU) praises the planned strengthening of civil protection. He highlights the importance of strengthening the fire service, technical relief service, and other "blue light family" members, which the Greens have advocated for.
12:34 Schweitzer steps up: The Rhineland-Palatinate minister-president takes the floor in the plenary
Even the Rhineland-Palatinate Minister-President Alexander Schweitzer takes the floor in the Bundestag, as members of the Bundesrat have the right to speak in the plenary according to the Basic Law. Schweitzer's speech can be understood as an appeal to the Rhineland-Palatinate FDP to make an approval possible for the Basic Law amendment on Friday, as it will help the states to provide good daycare centers, schools, and infrastructure.
Live Updates - The Multi-Billion EUR Package Goes to a Vote in the German Bundestag
Stay tuned for more updates and dramatic moments as the old Bundestag debates and votes on the multi-billion EUR package.
- Policymakers in EC countries might consider adopting a similar approach to vocational training as observed in the German Bundestag, where various parties advocate for strengthening and reforming it.
- During a heated conversation in the Bundestag, Beatrix von Storch (AfD) arrogantly accused the Left Party of neglecting their duty by not supporting the AfD's proposal for an immediate convocation of the newly elected German Bundestag.
- In light of the decisions made in the German Bundestag on IT security, financing of intelligence services, civil and population protection, and support for Ukraine, it's clear that the Greens have emerged as the key players in shaping security policies, aggressively pushing these issues forward while other parties, such as the CDU/CSU, follow in their wake.
