Welcome to the 21st German Bundestag: Julia Kloeckner Steps Up as Parliamentary President
Bundestag convenes for the first time, with Klöckner positioned as the new Parliament President. - Parliament convenes for the initial session - Klöckner to assume the position of Parliament President
Hey there! It's a big day in German politics - the 21st Bundestag has kicked off, and we've got some exciting news for you. Julia Kloeckner of the CDU/CSU is officially the new Parliamentary President, setting her up as the likely leader of this fresh parliamentary session.
But first, let's talk about the outgoing federal government, headed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). This coalition government, which also included the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), faced a tough re-election on February 23, 2025. Unfortunately for the SPD, they suffered some significant losses, with only 16.4% of the vote, a sharp decrease from their previous support.
This election result spells complex coalition negotiations ahead. The CDU/CSU, led by Friedrich Merz, emerged as the largest party but fell short of a majority. With the AfD gaining ground in the election but still isolated from mainstream coalitions, it's anybody's guess as to which specific coalition will form.
As for the outgoing federal government, they're now operating in a caretaker capacity having received their dismissal letters from President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. However, Steinmeier has asked Scholz to continue managing the government's affairs with his cabinet until a new government is formed. This means that the future of the outgoing federal government hinges on the successful formation of a new coalition and the subsequent election of a new chancellor by the Bundestag.
So there you have it! The 21st Bundestag has begun, and Julia Kloeckner has taken the helm as Parliamentary President. Expect some nail-biting coalition negotiations in the coming days, and stay tuned for more updates on this ever-changing political landscape.
In the midst of these political changes, the Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation. The outgoing federal government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, is now operating in a caretaker capacity, having received their dismissal letters from President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Julia Kloeckner, the new Parliamentary President, will preside over the 21st Bundestag amid coalition negotiations for a new government, with the outcome deciding the future of the outgoing federal government.
