Formation of New Government: Bundestag Holds Inaugural Session as Scholz Receives Dismissal Certificate

The newly elected Bundestag convenes for its inaugural session today, marking a significant step in the country's political landscape. The primary agenda for the day centers around the election of the Bundestag's presidium. In the evening, members of the current government will officially be dismissed from their posts, although they will remain in a caretaker role until a new Chancellor is appointed.

The day's events are structured as follows:

• 8:30 AM: An ecumenical service takes place at St. Hedwig's Cathedral, located at Bebelplatz in Berlin.
• 11:00 AM: The opening of the inaugural session is conducted by the eldest member of parliament, Gregor Gysi from the Left Party, who will deliver an address.
• Afterwards: The Bundestag will establish its rules of procedure through a majority vote.
• Around 12:00 PM: The election for the new President of the Bundestag will commence. As the largest faction, the CDU/CSU has the right to propose candidates and has nominated Julia Klöckner from the CDU.
• Following the election: The Vice Presidents of the Bundestag will be elected. The AfD party is also seeking one of these positions, which other factions are reluctant to grant due to the party's perceived anti-constitutional leanings.
• 5:30 PM: At Schloss Bellevue, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will formally dismiss Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his ministers. The tenure of the current government concludes automatically with the assembly of a new Bundestag. However, the President will request that the ministers and the Chancellor serve in a provisional capacity until a new Chancellor is elected, which Friedrich Merz from the CDU aims to achieve around Easter. The feasibility of this timeline is uncertain given the ongoing coalition negotiations.

Furthermore, discussions surrounding the new Bundestag will include the representation of women, the professions underrepresented in parliament, and the overall composition of the presidium. Insights into these aspects will be provided by Georg Ismar and Robert Roßmann.