The CDU/CSU will form the largest parliamentary group in the German Bundestag in the new electoral term. In the Bundestag election on Sunday, 22 September, the two parties together received 41.5 per cent of the second votes. The SPD won 25.7 per cent. The Left Party received 8.6 per cent, while Alliance 90/The Greens received 8.4 per cent of the second votes. The FDP, which won 4.8 per cent, will no longer be represented in the Bundestag. Alternative for Germany (AfD) also narrowly missed entering Parliament, winning 4.7 per cent of the vote.
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.
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).