(de-news.net) – In a recent political discourse, Bundestag Vice President Omid Nouripour of the Green Party proposed a consolidation of federal, state, and municipal elections into two coordinated dates, alongside a uniform extension of legislative terms to five years. This initiative was met with skepticism by representatives of the Union parties. Legal advisor Ansgar Heveling (CDU) is said to have acknowledged that, while the proposal might appear to enhance efficiency, it potentially undermines the autonomy of the federal states. He emphasized that, within Germany’s federal system, the determination of election dates falls under the jurisdiction of the individual states, making uniform scheduling legally and constitutionally problematic.

Furthermore, it was noted that any extension of the Bundestag’s legislative term from four to five years would necessitate a constitutional amendment, requiring a two-thirds majority in both the Bundestag and Bundesrat. Although most state parliaments already operate on five-year terms—with Bremen being the exception—the proposed changes at the federal level would involve significant legal and institutional adjustments.

Nouripour had reportedly suggested that the current electoral rhythm — marked by frequent state elections occurring at intervals of no more than six months. This places considerable strain on political parties and their organizational capacities, Nouripour explained. According to his assessment, synchronizing election dates and extending legislative periods would alleviate this pressure and provide elected officials with sufficient time to implement their political agendas.