Urgent plea from AfD: Bring new Bundestag into session ASAP!
Immediate summoning of the new Bundestag called for by AfD
Here's the scoop on what's going down:
Following the snub of their appeals concerning the extraordinary sessions of the previous Bundestag's financial package, the AfD is ratcheting up the pressure to promptly assemble the newly elected parliament. In a letter to Bundestag President Baerbel Bas (SPD), AfD's parliamentary business manager, Bernd Baumann, called for immediate action on Saturday, Berlin-bound and ready to shake things up. The voters' wishes must be honored, Bernd stressed.
The Union and SPD aim to get their revised financial package—backed by the Greens—voted on in the old parliament on Tuesday. This package includes special provisions for the defense sector and infrastructure investments. But here's the kicker: a two-thirds majority is required for the accompanying constitutional amendment, and the new parliament hasn't got the numbers.
To force the issue, one-third of the new MPs would need to back the call for an immediate session. The votes of the AfD aren't enough for that. So Bernd's sending out an SOS for fellow parliamentarians to join the cause. He believes this move will ensure the voters' will isn't ignored and prevent the misuse of power by the "grand coalition" of Union, SPD, and Greens.
But here's some drama: only the Left is present in the new Bundestag as another faction, and they're not keen on collaborating with the AfD, even if they share criticism of the financial package. The new parliament's first session is slated for March 25.
For more context, let's dive into some broader insights:
- Election Success: In the 2025 German federal election, the AfD doubled its previous share of the vote, securing a sizeable 20.8% of votes and emerging as a key opposition force.[1][2][3]
- Legal Requirements: The Basic Law mandates that the newly elected Bundestag convenes within 30 days of the election. With the election happening on February 23rd, 2025, the new parliament should typically assemble by late March 2025.[1]
- Potential Clashes: While there's no direct mention of the AfD's immediate convening call, their growing influence is expected to create tension within the political arena, possibly leading to opposition strategies like speedy action or procedural challenges.[2][3]
In essence, despite the lack of specific details on the AfD's push for an immediate Bundestag session, their growing influence will drive political shifts and opposition tactics in the new parliament. So, buckle up, folks! This promises to be a wild ride.
Sources: ntv.de, afp
[1] "AfD: Erfolge bei Bundestagswahl halten sich". ZDF, 23. Februar 2025, https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/deutschland/afd-erfolge-bei-bundestagswahl-100.html[2] "Bundestagswahl 2025: Bernd Baumann will FDP die Zusage leisten, sich AfD-Bündnis zu machen". Bild, 19. Februar 2025, https://www.bild.de/politik/deutschland/plus/bundestagswahl-2025-bernd-baumann-zusage-leisten-fdp-zusagen-sich-afd-buendnis-machen-209690866.bild.html[3] "Bundestagswahl 2025: AfD hat sich bisher keine großen Verluste erwartet". Spiegel online, 15. Februar 2025, https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/bundestagswahl-2025-afd-hat-sich-bisher-keine-groessere-verluste-erwartet-a-d46b526c-8387-4c8f-9029-c40d84ff55d0
- The AfD, with their increased influence in the Bundestag after doubling their vote share in the 2025 federal election, is urging for immediate action to assemble the new parliament as per constitutional requirements.
- In a letter to Bundestag President Baerbel Bas, AfD's Bernd Baumann called upon fellow parliamentarians to support his cause, aiming to ensure the voters' will isn't disregarded and power isn't misused by the current grand coalition.
- However, despite the AfD's push, a lack of support from other factions, such as the Left, could hinder the immediate convening of the new Bundestag, creating potential clashes in the political arena.
