A Breakdown of the Constitutive Session of the German Bundestag
By Eugen Epp
- ~ 2 Min Read
German Parliamentary Proceedings Unveiled: Inside the Constitutive Session in the German Bundestag - Bundestag's Deputized Body Convenes for Legislative Discussions
Join us as we demystify the unique procedures and quirks of the upcoming constitutive session of the German Bundestag - the country's federal parliament - slated for Tuesday. Known for its distinctive features, this session officially commences the new legislative period post the February Bundestag election, marking a remarkable shift in the nation's political landscape.
When's the Show? 🗓️
The constitutive session kicks off at 11 am, and based on the Bundestag's official agenda, it's set to run until 3:45 pm.
Who's the Master of Ceremonies? 🎤
With the conclusion of the previous legislative period, the term of the Bundestag's president also draws to a close. Baerbel Bas has extended the invitation for the constitutive session but will not be present herself. Instead, the session will be opened by the veteran member with the longest service in the Bundestag, currently Gregor Gysi. He has committed to limiting his opening speech to half an hour, yielding the floor to temporary secretaries.
Who's the New Boss? 🤝
The newly elected Bundestag will select a president, a traditional process that embraces only one candidate, nominated by the largest faction. This time around, the CDU/CSU faction has proposed Julia Klöckner, former Minister of Agriculture. To secure her position, Klöckner needs the absolute majority of the parliament (at least 316 votes); her election, however, seems inevitable.
Deputy Roles 👥
Following the election of the Bundestag president, her deputies will be chosen. Each faction may put forward a candidate. The far-right AfD's candidates have always faced rejection in the past. This session, the AfD has nominated Gerold Otten. In addition, Andrea Lindholz (CDU/CSU) and Bodo Ramelow (Left) are competing for the positions. The SPD and Greens have yet to announce their nominees.
And the Band Played On 🎼
The session will culminate with the national anthem, a poignant tradition now allowing members of parliament to join in once more, after they were only permitted to listen in 2021 due to Covid-19 precautions.
Freshening Up the Bundestag 🏛️
The new Bundestag will consist of 630 members, as opposed to the previous 733. The five factions represented are the CDU/CSU, AfD, SPD, Greens, and the Left. The FDP has fallen short of securing a seat, while BSW deputies are no longer present.
So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye 👣
Once the new Bundestag convenes, the official term of office for Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his cabinet comes to an end. Steinmeier, the Federal President, will dispatch dismissal notices to Scholz and his ministers in the afternoon. In the interim, the previous government will operate in a caretaker capacity until a new one takes shape - a timeline yet to be determined.
- Germany
- Bundestag
- Gregor Gysi
- Federal Election
- CDU
- Bundestag Presidency
Enrichment Insights:
The constitutive session of the Bundestag is critical for formally inaugurating the new composition of the federal parliament and setting the foundation for its term, while regular sessions focus on ongoing legislative business. Distinctive aspects of the session include the primary goal of constituting the new Bundestag, the election of key officials, formal proceedings, and public interest surrounding the event. Unlike regular sessions, the constitutive session often features ceremonial events and can also set the stage for upcoming legislative priorities.
In lieu of a church service to mark the start of the new legislative term, the Bundestag has, in recent years, opted for a less conventional opening with a celebratory ceremony, followed by the election of the president and vice-presidents. Further, the constitutive session may include the election of the Federal Chancellor, although this typically happens later should the existing government remain in place. Members of parliament are obligated to attend this important session, and significant public and media attention often accompany it.
The constitutive session of the German Bundestag, taking place on Tuesday, will be overseen by Gregor Gysi, the veteran member with the longest service in the Bundestag, as Baerbel Bas, the previous Bundestag's president, will not be present. Julia Klöckner, former Minister of Agriculture, is the CDU/CSU faction's nominee for the Bundestag presidency, aiming to secure at least 316 votes for her election. The session will also determine the deputies for the new Bundestag, with candidates from each faction being nominated, and may conclude with the national anthem, a poignant tradition re-introduced following the ease of Covid-19 precautions.
