Alexander Hoffmann, head of the CSU state group, rejected the SPD’s proposal to introduce gender parity into the Bundestag through electoral reform. “I doubt that parity can be realized constitutionally” Hoffmann told the Bavarian media group, adding that even constitutional wording would represent an excessive intrusion on parties’ organisational freedom and voters’ choice.
Hoffmann, a member of the coalition’s voting‑rights commission, sees no majority for a constitutional amendment, noting that votes from the AfD and Die Linke would be required. He urged the SPD to remain focused on its existing plans. “We should concentrate on what we promised the people and what the coalition agreement stipulates: we want to abolish the cumbersome traffic‑light electoral system. Candidates who win in their constituencies must be guaranteed a seat in the Bundestag. Anything else is not comprehensible to voters” he said.
Johannes Fechner, the SPD’s parliamentary manager and also a commission member, reaffirmed the party’s priorities. “For the SPD, it is important that the Bundestag contains more women, every constituency is represented, and the size of the Bundestag does not increase” Fechner told the media.