Berlin’s Direct Mandate: A Battleground in the Upcoming Bundestag Election
Introduction:
Berlin will witness intense competition for direct mandates in the upcoming Bundestag election on February 23. Voters will cast two votes: the first vote (Erststimme) for a direct candidate within their electoral district and the second vote (Zweitstimme) for a political party. Close results in the previous election indicate a potential shift in outcomes this time around.
Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf:
The incumbent Michael Müller (SPD) narrowly secured the direct mandate in the last election. However, his reelection bid faces challenges. The CDU fields Lukas Krieger, who may emerge victorious. Lisa Paus of the Greens, who ran in the previous election, seeks a second term. Müller’s failure to secure a safe spot on the party’s state list means that a defeat in his electoral district will end his Bundestag career.
Pankow:
The Greens nominated Julia Schneider, the deputy parliamentary group leader, after Stefan Gelbhaar, the incumbent MP, faced allegations that were later partially dismissed. The CDU’s Franziska Dezember, the district chairwoman of the Women’s Union, makes her debut. The Left’s candidate is state chairman Maximilian Schirmer, but his chances are considered slim.
Tempelhof-Schöneberg:
Kevin Kühnert (SPD) won the last direct mandate but has since withdrawn from politics. Sinem Taşan-Funke takes his place. The CDU’s Jan-Marco Luczak has high hopes, being placed first on the party’s state list. The Greens, who hold the mayoral position in the district, may face obstacles without Renate Künast as their candidate. New contender Moritz Heuberger lacks her recognition.
Neukölln:
Hakan Demir (SPD) won the prior election but faces fierce competition. Berlins’ CDU General Secretary Ottilie Klein aims to claim the mandate. Andreas Audretsch represents the Greens, while Ferat Koçak campaigns for the Left.
Lichtenberg:
Gesine Lötzsch (Linke) held the direct mandate repeatedly since 2002, but she will not seek reelection. Ines Schwerdtner, the new Left party leader, takes her place but faces challenges. Norman Wolf runs for the Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) alliance, adding a layer of complexity. Danny Freymark (CDU) is a well-connected candidate in the district.
Election Reform Complication:
A change in electoral law introduces a complication. Successful direct candidates will not automatically enter the Bundestag. They require their party to receive sufficient second votes. This reform eliminates overhang and compensation mandates, reducing the Bundestag’s size from 733 to 630 members.
Conclusion:
The upcoming Bundestag election will be a crucial test for direct candidates in Berlin. Close contests and changes in the political landscape will shape the outcome. The election reform adds an additional layer of uncertainty to the race.
