A recent study conducted by researchers at the Technical University of Darmstadt has revealed interesting patterns in parliamentary applause within the German Bundestag. Analyzing transcripts of over 190,000 speeches delivered since 1976, the study, reported by the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung”, examined how frequently different parliamentary factions applaud their own speakers and those of other parties.
The analysis demonstrates variations in applause frequency across factions. Members of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and The Left factions showed the highest rates of applauding their own colleagues, with the AfD registering 5.38 instances of applause per thousand spoken words and The Left following with 4.23 instances. Other factions exhibited lower rates: the Green Party at 3.48, the Free Democratic Party (FDP) at 3.57, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) at 2.72 and the center-right CDU/CSU parliamentary group (the Union) at 2.15.
Beyond intra-factional applause, the study also highlighted cross-factional dynamics. The FDP demonstrates a preference for applauding the Union, while the Green Party tends to applaud the SPD. The Left, meanwhile, supports the Greens, but receives comparatively less applause in return.
Researchers observed a notable trend of increased applause activity leading up to federal elections. This effect was particularly pronounced in 2017, coinciding with the rise in popularity of parliamentarians sharing excerpts of their speeches on social media platforms. This phenomenon suggests a potential link between online visibility and in-session demonstration of support.
