Despite a reduction in the number of parliamentary representatives and the dissolution of both the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the “Die Bewegungen Soziale Rechte” (BSW) factions, financial support allocated to the remaining five parliamentary groups in the Bundestag is set to increase. This development, reported by “Der Spiegel”, has drawn sharp criticism and sparked questions about the prioritization of parliamentary spending amidst broader fiscal pressures.
The Bundestag’s budget committee unanimously approved a rise in funding to €141.6 million for 2026. This follows a previous increase for 2025, for which €137.8 million was already earmarked. The increase is particularly noteworthy considering the preceding electoral reform significantly reduced the Bundestag’s size, shrinking its representation from 733 to 630 seats.
Initially, the Bundestag administration attempted to adjust the budget for 2025 by removing the financial allocation previously designated for the FDP faction, proposing a significantly lower funding level. The FDP previously received approximately €18.44 million in 2024, supplemented by a further €4.57 million prior to their departure. The subsequent reversal of this decision and the overall funding increase now expose a perceived reluctance to fully account for the shrinking parliament.
Reiner Holznagel, president of the German Taxpayers’ Association, has vocally condemned the move. “Taxpayer-funded factional subsidies should have demonstrably decreased” he stated, accusing parliament of quietly increasing funding in a manner seemingly oblivious to the results of the last election. He argues the allocation represents a questionable use of public funds.
Parliament’s justification for the additional expenditure centers on escalating personnel costs for parliamentary staff. However, critics argue that increased staffing levels for a smaller parliament warrant closer scrutiny and potentially represent a widening gap between parliamentary expenditure and public expectations, particularly when considered alongside ongoing debates concerning fiscal responsibility and social welfare programs. The decision is likely to reignite the debate surrounding the transparency and accountability of parliamentary funding in Germany.