Berlin, Germany – The newly elected German parliament has taken their seats, with a noticeable scarcity of women representatives. Despite calls for gender equality in politics, the Bundestag remains heavily male-dominated.
Out of the 736 members of parliament, only 241 are women, making up around 33% of the total seats. This is the first time in almost 25 years that the percentage of women in the Bundestag has decreased, raising concerns about the progress of gender diversity in German politics.
The rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as the second largest party in the parliament has also shifted the dynamics within the Bundestag. The AfD’s presence has sparked debates and tensions among existing party members, leading to what could be a confrontational term.
Julia Klöckner, a former federal agriculture minister from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has been elected as the new President of the Bundestag. Klöckner’s leadership marks a significant moment as she is one of the few women in a top position in the German political sphere.
As the new parliament settles in, the increased role of the far-right in decision-making processes has raised concerns both domestically and internationally. The AfD’s ideologies and policies have been met with resistance from other parties, creating a polarized political environment that could impact legislative outcomes.
Overall, the composition of the German parliament reflects a diverse range of beliefs and values, with the challenge of balancing competing interests becoming increasingly apparent. In the coming term, the Bundestag will face a range of contentious issues that will test the unity and stability of the government.