Armin Laschet, a prominent figure in the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is set to become the new President of the Deutsche Parlamentarische Gesellschaft (DPG), a highly influential organization based in Berlin.
According to reports from “Stern” magazine, referencing internal documents, the current board has unanimously nominated Laschet, the former CDU leader and previous candidate for Chancellor, as the successor to SPD politician Stefan Zierke. The nomination is expected to be formally confirmed during a general assembly scheduled for Wednesday. While typically considered a procedural matter, this choice marks a significant shift within the organization.
The DPG is among the most exclusive clubs in the government district, a privately organized association comprising approximately 2,000 members, including around 620 active members of the Bundestag (German Parliament). The President and board significantly shape the organization’s culture, operating from a historic palace adjacent to the Reichstag building. The DPG receives substantial annual subsidies from the Bundestag and enjoys rent-free accommodation.
Alongside Laschet, fifteen other members of parliament are to be elected to the board. These include former Federal Minister of Education Anja Karliczek (CDU), Green Party parliamentary group deputy Konstantin von Notz, Left Party politician Dietmar Bartsch and SPD parliamentarian Marja-Liisa Völlers, who is slated to serve as Vice President. CSU politician Alexander Dobrindt is also expected to join the board as an assessor. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has announced two nominations for board positions; however, observers do not anticipate their success.
The election will take place this Wednesday evening in the grand Kaisersaal of the DPG, located directly next to the Reichstag. Laschet himself has not publicly commented on the potential appointment prior to the assembly. Three senior members of the organization have, however, confirmed the highly visible personnel plans for the parliamentary club, according to “Stern”.