The German Bundestag’s Electoral Scrutiny Committee (Wahlprüfungsausschuss) is poised to potentially issue a recommendation regarding a recount of the February federal election within days, according to reports emerging from Der Stern magazine. Sources within the committee suggest a pivotal session is slated for next week, although the office of Committee Chairman Macit Karaahmetoglu (SPD) has refrained from confirming the timing.
The committee’s role is advisory; its recommendation must be approved by a parliamentary vote. Should a recount be rejected by a majority, the “Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht” (BSW) – which narrowly missed the 5% threshold by approximately 9,500 votes – retains the right to appeal the decision before the Federal Constitutional Court.
The nine-member committee’s composition reflects the broader political landscape. It includes three representatives from the CDU/CSU, two each from the SPD and AfD and one each from the Greens and the Left party. This structure allows the ruling black-red coalition to effectively control the committee’s outcome, mirroring the dynamic within all Bundestag committees. A strong disincentive exists for the coalition to endorse a recount, given the potential ramifications.
Were BSW to secure seats in the Bundestag due to identified discrepancies in the initial vote count – a scenario considered plausible given the razor-thin margin – it would fundamentally alter the parliamentary balance. Currently, the coalition’s stability would be jeopardized. While incorporating the Greens into the coalition appears to be the most likely scenario, a minority government or even fresh elections become distinct possibilities.
AfD representatives have signaled support for a recount review. “At present, we will vote in favor of the recount” stated Stephan Brandner, Parliamentary Managing Director of the AfD, to Der Stern. He emphasized the necessity of “absolute clarity” given the small number of votes in question and the potential impact on the final result.
BSW leader Sahra Wagenknecht has repeatedly urged for a swift resolution, criticizing the committee’s perceived “delaying tactics” and accusing it of demonstrating disrespect towards the Federal Constitutional Court. She further criticized the broader opposition for what she characterized as a “remarkable front” obstructing BSW’s efforts. This situation highlights a growing political tension surrounding the integrity of the electoral process and the potential for significant shifts in German parliamentary power.
