The rise of the AfD and the increasing fragility of German democratic institutions have prompted veteran politician Gregor Gysi to propose a sweeping reform agenda encompassing both the judiciary and electoral processes. In an interview with “Welt”, Gysi, a prominent figure within the Left party (Die Linke), warned that a failure to revitalize the appeal of democracy and the rule of law risks emboldening extremist forces.
Central to Gysi’s proposals is a simplification of the electoral system. He advocates for a decoupling of the first and second votes in federal elections, allowing voters to cast ballots for different parties. Currently, the expectation of aligning both votes often limits voter choice. Furthermore, Gysi suggests incorporating a weighted voting system for individual candidates, similar to practices already utilized in local elections. This change, he argues, would disrupt the entrenched system of pre-election deal-making – often referred to as “Kungelrunden” – where party leadership allocates list positions. The potential impact on faction dynamics within the Bundestag is significant, promising both greater individual candidate accountability and a reduced reliance on backroom agreements.
Beyond electoral reform, Gysi champions the implementation of citizen-initiated referendums accompanying every federal election. Under his vision, each parliamentary faction could propose a constitutionally compliant question, framed for a simple “yes” or “no” vote, which the newly elected Chancellor would be legally bound to address during their term. This measure aims to foster greater citizen engagement and ensure government responsiveness to public will.
Gysi’s critique extends to the inefficiencies plaguing the German judiciary. Drawing upon his experience as a lawyer, he highlights the debilitating effect of prolonged legal processes, citing the absurdity of lengthy delays in resolving administrative negligence claims. He calls for immediate and substantial investment in judicial personnel and the establishment of realistic, shorter deadlines to alleviate the current backlog and ensure timely justice.
Critically, Gysi’s remarks underscored his deep concern regarding the growing influence of the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Describing the party as “far-right and unconstitutional” he highlighted the worrying ascendancy of radical figures like Björn Höcke, the party’s leader in Thuringia. Gysi recounted a recent incident in the Thuringian state parliament, where Höcke’s actions effectively paralyzed the legislature by refusing to adhere to procedural rules. This, he argues, served as a stark illustration of the dangers of granting even limited power to such an organization. While currently maintaining a distance from mainstream power, Gysi cautioned that a shift within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) could dramatically alter the political landscape, potentially propelling the AfD toward a position of greater influence and further eroding democratic norms. His warnings serve as a potent reminder of the ongoing challenges to German democracy and the critical need for proactive reform.
