On Wednesday, 27 January 2010, the German Bundestag came
together in remembrance of the victims of National Socialism. The
Ceremony of Remembrance in the plenary chamber of the
Reichstag Building in Berlin
began at noon. Following an introductory speech by Professor
Norbert Lammert, President of the Bundestag, speeches were held by
the President of the State of Israel, Shimon Peres, and Polish
historian Professor Feliks Tych.
The Bundestag is elected
for four years. The CDU/CSU is the largest parliamentary group with
239 seats, followed by the SPD with 146 Members,
the FDP with 93 Members,
the Left Party (76 Members) and the Alliance 90/The Greens
parliamentary group (68 Members).
In addition to the election of the Federal Chancellor, the
Bundestag’s most
important functions are preparing and adopting legislation and
scrutinising the work of the government. Each year, the Members of
the Bundestag also discuss and
adopt the federal budget.
In plenary sittings, Parliament deliberates and votes on laws
and motions which fall within the competence of the Federation. The
Bundestag currently has 22
permanent committees. In addition, it can take the decision to
establish committees of inquiry or special committees.
In exercising oversight over the Federal Government, Members
have the right to request detailed information from it via written
and oral questions. But special bodies such as committees of
inquiry also serve to ensure scrutiny of the government.
