Armin Laschet, a prominent figure in the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is poised to become the new President of the Deutsche Parlamentarische Gesellschaft (DPG), a highly influential organization based in Berlin. Sources within the DPG, as reported by Stern magazine, indicate that the existing board has unanimously recommended Laschet, the former CDU chairman and previous candidate for Chancellor, as the successor to SPD politician Stefan Zierke. This nomination is slated for official confirmation at a member assembly scheduled for Wednesday.
The DPG is a private, exclusive club within Germany’s political landscape, housed in a historic palace adjacent to the Reichstag. It boasts approximately 2,000 members, including around 620 active members of the Bundestag (Federal Parliament). The President and board significantly influence the organization’s culture and activities. The DPG receives substantial annual funding from the Bundestag and benefits from rent-free accommodation for its premises.
Alongside Laschet’s expected appointment, 15 additional members are to be elected to the board. This group includes Anja Karliczek (CDU), former Federal Minister of Education; Konstantin von Notz, parliamentary group deputy of the Green Party; Dietmar Bartsch, a politician from the Left party; and SPD parliamentarian Marja-Liisa Völlers, who is proposed for the role of Vice President. CSU politician Alexander Dobrindt is also expected to join the board as an advisory member. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has announced two candidate proposals for board positions; however, observers do not anticipate their success.
The election process will take place this Wednesday evening in the DPG’s grand Kaisersaal, conveniently located near the Reichstag. As of yet, Laschet has refrained from commenting on his potential election. Confirmation of these plans has reportedly been provided by three high-ranking members of the organization.
