On 23 February, Germany held an early federal legislative election after the coalition government collapsed in November 2024. The conservative Christian Democratic Union parties (CDU) led by Friedrich Merz and its sister party Christian Social Union (CSU) won the elections with 28.6 per cent of votes, securing 164 of the 630 seats in the Bundestag (lower chamber). The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) came second with 20.8 per cent of the vote (152 seats), almost doubling its support from the last elections. The incumbent Social Democrats (SPD) garnered 16.4 per cent of the vote (120 seats), experiencing its largest loss in support compared to previous elections. The Greens received 11.6 per cent of the vote (85 seats), while the Left Party (Die Linke) garnered 8.8 per cent (64 seats). The proportion of women in Parliament will be 32.4 per cent, down from 34.8 per cent in 2021. This general election saw the highest voter turnout since 1987, reaching 82.5 per cent, up from 76.6 per cent in the 2021 general elections. 

Sources: Die Bundeswahlleiterin, Deutsche Welle, Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen, German Bundestag, International IDEA 

The government has decided to temporarily extend its border restrictions to all land borders, introducing more systematic checks on people arriving by bus, train or car. These measures aim to combat irregular migration and cross-border crime and come amid a series of terrorist attacks, including a recent knife attack in Solingen that resulted in three deaths. Germany is bordered by nine countries, and the restrictions could result in slower transit due to checks. The new restrictions are set to last for an initial period of six months and can last for a maximum of two years if there is a particular security threat. The new restrictions impact borders with Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Previously, restrictions and border controls had affected Austria, Czech Republic, Poland and Switzerland. The restrictions have also drawn criticism from neighbouring countries and experts for undermining EU unity and the Schengen Agreement. 

Sources: Deutsche Welle (1), Deutsche Welle (2), Cable News Network  

On 30 July, the Federal Constitutional Court approved an electoral reform that foresees downsizing the Bundestag (parliament), but overturned changes that would disproportionately affect smaller parties. It ruled that parties winning three or more constituencies, even if they receive less than 5 per cent of the vote (threshold to enter Bundestag), should still be entitled to proportional representation in the Bundestag. The Bundestag will shrink from 736 to 630 members. The 2021 national election resulted in a record 736 Bundestag members, exceeding the size of the European Parliament. The ruling parties believe the reform will save at least EUR 310 million per legislative period and enhance efficiency.

Bundesverfassungsgericht, Politico, Euronews, Euractiv

With 374 votes in favour, 251 against, and 11 abstentions, the Bundestag (lower chamber of the federal parliament) passed a new law that enables transgender and non-binary individuals to change their legal documents to align with their gender through a self-determination-based administrative process. Previously, a court decision and two expert reports were required  for the legal gender change. The change was welcomed since the old process was described as complicated and degrading. The applications to request change in gender entry and first names will be possible from 1 August 2024.  

Sources: The Federal Government of Germany, Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Human Rights Watch