A recent study conducted by researchers at the Technical University of Darmstadt has revealed patterns in parliamentary applause within the German Bundestag. Analyzing all Bundestag protocols since 1976, encompassing approximately 190,000 speeches, the study, reported by the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung”, examined which factions showed appreciation for their colleagues.
The findings indicate that members of the AfD (Alternative for Germany) and the Left party (Die Linke) demonstrated the highest frequency of applause for their own faction’s speakers. AfD representatives applauded their colleagues 5.38 times per thousand words spoken, while Left party members applauded at a rate of 4.23 times per thousand words.
In contrast, other parliamentary groups showed less frequent applause for their own members. The Green party’s applause rate was 3.48 times per thousand words, followed by the FDP (Free Democratic Party) at 3.57, the SPD (Social Democratic Party) at 2.72 and the CDU/CSU (the Union) at 2.15.
The research also highlighted cross-factional applause dynamics. The FDP showed a preference for applauding the Union, while the Greens tended to applaud the SPD. The Left party demonstrates support for the Greens but receives comparatively less applause in return.
Notably, the study observed an increase in applause before Bundestag elections, a trend particularly prominent in 2017. This period coincided with the growing practice of parliamentary members sharing excerpts of speeches online, which researchers suggest may have influenced the heightened display of appreciation.