The President of the German Bundestag, Julia Klöckner (CDU), has emphasized the urgency of proposed revisions to the Bundestag’s rules of procedure. Addressing these concerns in an interview with “Rheinische Post” Klöckner stated that the changes are aimed at bolstering clarity, reliability and efficiency within the parliamentary system, thereby strengthening its functionality and workflows.
A key focus of the proposed revisions is to ensure a more respectful and productive debate. Klöckner highlighted the increasing polarization within the Bundestag, noting a significant presence of parties on the political extremes – roughly ten percent held by the left-wing spectrum and approximately twenty-five percent by the right. She expressed concern over how these factions escalate tensions, potentially fueled by social media engagement and shifting the focus away from policy positions and toward personal attacks.
The need for reform is underscored by a rise in disciplinary interventions. Klöckner pointed to thirteen instances of such interventions within just five parliamentary weeks, with twelve of those directed towards members of the Alternative for Germany (AfD). This situation has prompted the Bundestag to undertake what she described as the most significant reform of its rules of procedure since 1980.
Parliamentarians are scheduled to discuss the plans this week. Proposed measures include doubling fines for breaches of parliamentary protocol, alongside efforts to encourage more engaging and constructive debates.