The proposed electoral law reform commission, spearheaded by the current German coalition government (a partnership of the Christian Democratic Union and Social Democrats), is drawing significant criticism, most notably from within the CDU itself. Former Bundestag President Norbert Lammert has publicly condemned the composition of the commission, highlighting a concerning pattern of excluding opposition parties from crucial legislative processes.
Lammert, currently chairman of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, warned that the government’s unilateral approach risks escalating political divisions and ultimately hindering any meaningful progress. He directly accused the coalition of repeating “the error of previous legislative periods” arguing that the exclusion of opposition voices will inevitably trigger legal challenges and political resistance, leading to an unproductive and protracted debate.
The veteran CDU politician strongly advocated for a reform built upon a broader consensus, encompassing all democratic parties. He underscored the sheer number of electoral law modifications – exceeding 30 since the 1950s – suggesting a need to establish a more stable and universally accepted framework. “It requires a regulation that is not solely based on the parliamentary majority in the respective legislature, but on the consensus of all democratic parties” he stated.
Lammert’s concerns extend beyond the immediate legislative hurdles. He fears that the current approach will ensure the issue remains a contentious point should a change in government occur in future elections, essentially setting the stage for renewed debate and potentially reversing any changes enacted now. His critique reflects a growing unease within conservative circles regarding the government’s tendency to legislate on sensitive issues without seeking broader political buy-in, potentially undermining the perceived stability and legitimacy of the reform process. The situation raises fundamental questions about the efficacy of the current legislative process and the importance of inclusive decision-making in a democratic system.