One thing in advance: parliamentary democracy has not been overtaken, when this Tuesday, for first time, 92 members of Alternative for Germany took place in newly elected Bundestag alongside representatives of “Altparteien”. She didn’t even quake. The parliamentarians were almost routinely taking up ir work – with one important difference: chairs of deputies now have representatives from seven parties and six factions, two more than before. In addition to returned Liberals, also those of right-wing national, xenophobic AfD. A novelty in recent German history.
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The beginning of this 19th legislature refore marks something like an epoch-turning. Almost all members were right to point this out. The time of oversized coalition is over. The debates will become more heated and more fundamental, that would indicate. And that’s good.
In recent years Bundestag has become a Abnickorgan for decisions of Chancellor and Black-red coalition. The opposition was barely noticeable. Many citizens who have doubts about Eurorettungs and refugee policies have not felt mselves represented. That too has made AfD as strong as it is now – third strongest force in parliament.
© Jakob Börner Ludwig Greve n Policy Editor at time online and freelance author to author page
All political groups, with exception of Union, which will presumably continue to be chancellor, want to make debates in Bundestag more vivid again. They are intended to rerepresent opinions and sentiments of population in all its breadth, as it is in a parliamentary democracy. The AfD, which also distinguished itself, will contribute with provocations, but also with legitimate questions.
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As well, refore, that 709 members, as many as never before, now chaired Wolfgang Schäuble. For former federal finance minister, elected by a large majority with exception of AfD to new Bundestag president, proved in his first speech that he is not only an excellent successor to Norbert Lammert, who, for twelve years, has given Parliament Chaired. He is, although he has been in various party and government offices for many years, a parliamentarian from conviction and passion – since 45 years, as long as no or Bundestag MEP.
German Bundestag-“in Parliament beats heart of our democracy” Wolfgang Schäuble was elected president of Bundestag by a large majority. In video we document his inaugural speech in full length.
There are difficult tasks at Schäuble. He pointed to it himself. It must hold record-breaking Parliament toger, provide for more diversity in debates, but prevent unnecessary sharpening, which is not likely to be easy in AfD. And he must ensure that Parliament is better aware of its control over federal government, which is still managed by Angela Merkel and union, than before.
Schäuble is right man for this. For he has, at end of his long political path, necessary sovereignty and experience. He has seen 1972 as a parliamentary newcomer fierce clashes around Ostverträge. In early 1980s, battles for NATO rearmament and nuclear power. “Change was always,” he said in his maiden speech on previous place of Lammert. “It didn’t hurt country.” Excitement and feelings of crisis have also existed earlier. was well. Democracy has only become stronger.
A representation of whole people
The old CDU-Warhorse also showed or Members right way to deal with AfD. Not by disregarding m by silly special rules, as in question of President of age and put m in Schmuddelecke. But by arguing with m in matter harshly, but in and according to rules of democracy. And secondly, as he scorns disdain and degradation of people, political opponents and democracy, and at same time prelife of what y expect and demand from ors: respect, fairness and an open ear for arguments of ors.
The Bundestag must again become a representation of all citizens and voters. He may not leave this claim to AfD. Then, as Schäuble has intended, he can also be a model for social debates and reflect m. Only n will confidence grow back into parliamentary democracy, politicians and parties. Then, but also only n, one does not have to worry about future of democracy in Germany and Europe.
