Germany’s electoral reform delay ties debt brake talks to future voting rules

A missed deadline reveals deeper ties between voting reforms and fiscal policy. Will Germany’s Bundestag shrink—and will women gain fairer representation?

, and Administrator

2025 December 25 . 3:25 AM

1 min read

Here men and women are standing, these are flags.

Germany’s electoral reform delay ties debt brake talks to future voting rules

Germany’s electoral law commission has missed its original deadline for reforms. The group, made up of CDU/CSU and SPD representatives, now expects to deliver its findings by February. Both parties have tied this work to broader talks on changing the country’s debt brake rules.

The commission was set up to review and update Germany’s electoral system. Among its members are Alexander Hoffmann of the CSU and Steffen Bilger of the CDU. Hoffmann has stated he believes the group will produce solid proposals in early 2025.

Johannes Fechner, another member, has highlighted two key goals: stopping the Bundestag from growing larger and improving women’s representation. Bilger confirmed the commission is actively working but will not finish by its first target date.

The delay comes as the CDU/CSU and SPD link electoral law changes to the SPD’s push for reforms to the federal debt. This rule limits government borrowing, and discussions on its future have become part of the wider negotiations.

The commission’s revised timeline points to a February delivery. Its recommendations will shape future elections and could influence debates on the federal debt. The outcome will also determine whether the Bundestag’s size is controlled and how women’s participation is boosted.