The coalition commission tasked with evaluating Germany’s electoral laws is reportedly falling behind schedule, casting doubt on the long-held promise of comprehensive reform by 2025. Sources within the ruling Union-SPD alliance suggest a deliberate linkage between electoral reform and the contentious debate surrounding Germany’s debt brake, a fiscal constraint heavily championed by the Union.
Originally, the coalition agreement stipulated that proposals for revised electoral laws would be presented in 2025. However, the delay now signals a protracted and potentially politically fraught process. Commission member and CSU parliamentary group leader Alexander Hoffmann expressed cautious optimism, telling the “Rheinische Post” that results are anticipated in February. Notably, Hoffmann characterized the current electoral framework – implemented by the previous “traffic light” coalition – as “undemocratic” and “in parts unconstitutional” a strong statement reflecting Union’s ongoing dissatisfaction with the system.
Steffen Bilger, First Parliamentary Managing Director of the Union parliamentary group and also a commission member, confirmed the commission is actively working towards solutions. The primary focus, Bilger stated, is ensuring that all districts with successful candidates have representation in the Bundestag while preventing an expansion of the parliament’s size – a key demand from the Union. This ambition reflects a broader concern about the proportionality and efficiency of the German political system.
However, the SPD holds a different priority. Johannes Fechner, parliamentary managing director of the SPD parliamentary group, emphasized the importance of limiting the increase in Bundestag size and, crucially, boosting the proportion of female representatives. “We are still in good conversations regarding this” Fechner stated, highlighting the party’s commitment to gender parity.
The intertwining of these disparate objectives – ensuring district representation, controlling parliament size and increasing female representation – highlights the complexities of the reform process. The linkage to the debt brake reform adds another layer of political maneuvering, potentially signaling a broader strategy to leverage coalition dynamics for policy gains. Critics argue the delay and the conditionality surrounding the electoral reform process erode the principles of transparent and timely political action, suggesting that electoral integrity is being held hostage to fiscal and partisan priorities. The February deadline, while optimistic, now appears increasingly ambitious given the divergent goals and the politically charged environment surrounding the review.