Berlin House of Representatives Convenes With 153 Lawmakers and New Leadership Nominations
The Berlin House of Representatives has convened for a new five-year legislative term with 153 members, six fewer than the previous assembly, according to berlin.de. Under the rules of procedure, the two vice presidents of the parliament have nominated the second- and third-largest parliamentary groups to fill leadership roles, setting up candidacies from both the Christian Democratic Union and the Alternative for Germany.
Parliamentary Group Nominations and Caucus Sizes
The CDU nominated the current Speaker of the House, Cornelia Seibeld, to continue in her role. Meanwhile, the AfD put forward Martin Trefzer as its candidate for the leadership post, as reported by berlin.de. The chamber’s 153 seats are divided among several parties, reflecting the shifting balance of power in the German capital. The Left holds 45 seats, though its active caucus currently stands at 44 members because one elected politician missed the constituent meeting due to illness. The CDU holds 33 seats, the AfD has 29, the Greens control 25, and the SPD holds 21 seats.
Demographics and Turnover in the New Legislative Term
The newly seated parliament features a substantial shift in personnel, with just under half of the members serving their first term in the House of Representatives. Female lawmakers make up approximately 38 percent of the total assembly, according to figures released by berlin.de.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does The Left caucus currently have 44 members instead of 45?
The caucus is missing one member because an elected politician from the party was unable to attend the constituent meeting due to illness.
Which parliamentary groups nominated candidates for the House leadership?
The CDU and the AfD nominated candidates, with the CDU putting forward Cornelia Seibeld and the AfD nominating Martin Trefzer.