New Bundestag to Convene for First Session on March 25, 2025

The newly elected Bundestag is set to hold its inaugural session on March 25, 2025. This decision was reached during a meeting of the Parliament's senior council, as reported by both the Deutsche Presse-Agentur and Reuters. The session will take place within the mandated 30-day period following the general elections, ensuring a prompt commencement of legislative activities.

Meanwhile, the outgoing Bundestag will convene for special sessions next Thursday and the following Tuesday. Discussions are expected to focus on the proposed easing of the debt brake regulations for defense expenditures and the establishment of a special fund for infrastructure projects, according to information from the Bundestag's senior council.

In the context of ongoing negotiations for a potential coalition government between the Union and the SPD, significant disagreements persist concerning migration policy. Union parliamentary deputy Johann Wadephul expressed concerns that firmly established 'red lines' would not yield constructive outcomes. He emphasized the necessity for the SPD to move beyond the 'traffic light coalition' approach, urging for effective measures to curtail migration.

Wadephul highlighted the urgency for the prospective coalition to address migration effectively, particularly in light of recent electoral results that reflect public sentiment. He called for the SPD to adopt innovative approaches to meet the challenges ahead.

On the other hand, the Green Party's chair, Britta Haßelmann, has indicated uncertainty regarding the party's support for the financial package proposed by Union and SPD. In a recent ZDF interview, she described the proposed changes to the constitution as complex, stating that the party's final stance remains undecided due to numerous outstanding questions regarding the initiative.

Additionally, the Left Party is open to supporting the financial package but has set conditions. Party co-chair Jan van Aken clarified that their support hinges on the specifics of the proposal and whether the measures will be voted on collectively or individually. He expressed the party's commitment to an investment package while opposing excessive military spending.

As negotiations continue, SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has taken a firm stance against any measures that would lead to de facto border closures, deeming such actions impractical and detrimental to Europe's unity, particularly against the backdrop of global political tensions.

Union leaders, including CDU chair Friedrich Merz, have previously attempted to advance legislation that would facilitate the rejection of asylum seekers at the German borders. Such proposals have faced significant backlash during the electoral campaign, with the SPD labeling them as unlawful.

In the financial realm, both parties have reportedly made substantial progress in their discussions, aligning on key fiscal issues. However, ongoing talks will also address critical matters such as migration, internal security, economic competitiveness, and social policy, with additional negotiation sessions scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

Furthermore, NRW Minister-President Hendrik Wüst has called for robust measures to safeguard European freedoms, drawing parallels to previous economic crises and emphasizing the need for military readiness in light of evolving geopolitical challenges. His remarks underscored the growing urgency for fiscal commitments to bolster national defense.

As the political landscape evolves, all eyes will be on the upcoming sessions and negotiations, which will shape the future direction of Germany's governance and policy initiatives.