Monday, February 17, 2014

Extension of election cycle from 4 to 5 years in Germany?

This topic has not made international headlines, there are lots of more important world news.

We thought is was largely dead in the water, a discussion in the previous government abandoned as the new "grand" coalition took office in fall of 2013. But then we found another article saying that the new government is "open to the possibility". Will the current government use its super majority of 80 % of seats in parliament to do the deed?

What is this about?

German parliamentary election cycles are four years. Some very vocal politicians have advocated an extension to five years.

The arguments in favor of the move:
  • The EU parliament is on a five year schedule, so changing the German federal cycle "merely reflects an adaptation" to the EU cycle.
  • More efficient legislative work, less driven by election posturing.

The current opposition in federal parliament are not fond of the plan. They want more direct democracy, improved participation of the electorate instead or in addition to any such extension.

The K-Landnews did not find poll numbers showing what the German electorate thinks, but to us the arguments in favor do not sit well. They don't feel sincere.

The EU parliament has very little power, using it as an example is not recommended. More efficient work with an extra year does not sound altogether bad, but why not six years then? That would be two extra years of unbridled efficiency.

Against the backdrop of a German labor force much less secure in their jobs than ten or so years ago, adding more job security for politicians rubs us the wrong way. But the recent article linked to above stays out of this fray.

While they are looking at efficiency in government, why not replace the German president (who is very much a ceremonial figure only) with something along the lines of a hereditary figurehead to save more money?

Why not go to a ten year election cycle? This would make for stable governments in which folks can really get to know each other and develop the kind of mutual trust that makes efficient government such a joy to witness --- from the outside.

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