Facts About Germany PDF

FACTS ABOUT GERMANY d ate d p U 2e0d1iti8on Foreign policy · Society · Research · Economy · Culture Facts about Germany 2|3 FACTS ABOUT GERMANY CONTENTS AT A GLANCE EDUCATION & KNOWLEDGE Federal Republic 6 Vibrant Hub of Knowledge Crests & Symbols  8 Dynamic Academic Landscape...

FACTS ABOUT GERMANY d ate d p U 2e0d1iti8on Foreign policy · Society · Research · Economy · Culture Facts about Germany 2|3 FACTS ABOUT GERMANY CONTENTS AT A GLANCE EDUCATION & KNOWLEDGE Federal Republic 6 Vibrant Hub of Knowledge Crests & Symbols  8 Dynamic Academic Landscape 94 98 Demographics  10 Ambitious Cutting-edge Research 102 Geography & Climate  12 Networking Academia 106 Parliament & Parties  14 Research and Academic Relations Policy  108 Political System 16 Excellent Research 110 Federal Government 18 Attractive School System 112 Famous Germans 20 THE STATE & POLITICS SOCIETY Enriching Diversity 114 New Tasks 22 Structuring Immigration 118 Federal State  26 Diverse Living Arrangements 122 Active Politics 30 Committed Civil Society 126 Broad Participation 32 Strong Welfare State 128 Political Berlin  34 Leisure Time and Travel  130 Vibrant Culture of Remembrance 36 Freedom of Religious Worship 132 FOREIGN POLICY CULTURE & THE MEDIA Civil Policy-Shaping Power 38 Vibrant Nation of Culture  134 Committed to Peace and Security 42 Innovative Creative Industry 138 Advocate of European Integration 46 Intercultural Dialogue 140 Protection of Human Rights 50 Cosmopolitan Positions  142 Open Network Partner 54 Rapid Change in the Media 146 Sustainable Development 56 Exciting World Heritage Sites 150 Attractive Language  152 BUSINESS & INNOVATION A Strong Hub  58 WAY OF LIFE Global Player  62 Land of Diversity  154 Lead Markets and Innovative Products  66 Urban Quality of Life 158 Sustainable Economy 70 Sustainable Tourism 160 Digital Revolution 72 Sporting Challenges 164 A Valued Trading Partner 74 Attractions in Berlin 168 Attractive Labour Market 76 Leisurely Enjoyment 170 78 Innovative Force behind Climate Cooperation 82 PICTURE CREDITS INDEX IMPRINT 172 A Pioneer in Climate Policy Energy Transition – A Project for Generations 84 Greentech – A Sector with a Future 88 Sustainable Energies 90 Essential Diversity 92 ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE 173 176 FOREWORD What characterises politics, business, so­ cussed in a time of social and political ciety, academia, and culture in Germany? “Facts change. The new 2018 edition focusses in about Germany” invites readers to get to particular on contemporary issues – histor- know the modern and cosmopolitan coun- ical and institutional references take a try. The handbook offers exhaustive basic backseat. In order to make the texts as use- information and numerous points of orien- ful as pos­sible, they include up-to-date in- tation – all specially designed with inter­ formation and statistics. national readers in mind. The print edition of “Facts about Germany” In nine chapters, “Facts” conveys a basic includes broad digital offerings, exploring understanding of German society and shows in more depth online the topics outlined in which models and solutions are being dis- the print edition.  Get to know Germany – with the cross-media “Facts about Germany” 4|5 FACTS ABOUT GERMANY FACTS FAMILY HANDBOOK Insight: Informative overviews spotlight ­current developments in the topic explored in each chapter. In its nine chapters the updated edition of the handbook “Facts about Germany” offers a whole 38 | 39 AUSSENPOLITIK VIDEO AUSSENPOLITIK AR-APP host of different angles on present-day Ger­ Außenpolitik: das Video zum Thema → tued.net/de/vid2 many. Each of the chapters is structured in such Zivile Gestaltungsmacht ∙ Engagiert für Frieden und Sicherheit ∙ Anwalt europäischer Integration ∙ Schutz von Menschenrechten ∙ Offener Netzwerkpartner ∙ Nachhaltige Entwicklung EINBLICK ZIVILE GESTALTUNGSMACHT Deutschland ist in der internationalen Politik den USA, das Eintreten für das Existenzrecht Israels, die aktive und engagierte Mitwirkung Staaten und ist Mitglied in allen wichtigen mul­ a way that an “Insight” first provides the most schaft des transatlantischen Bündnisses mit intensiv und vielfältig vernetzt. Das Land un­ terhält diplomatische Beziehungen zu fast 200 in den Vereinten Nationen (UN) und im Eu­ tilateralen Organisationen und informellen in­ roparat sowie die Stärkung der europäischen ternationalen Koordinierungsgruppen wie der Sicherheitsarchitektur im Rahmen der OSZE. „Gruppe der Sieben“ (G7) und der „Gruppe der Zwanzig“ (G20). Außenminister ist seit 2018 Heiko Maas (SPD). Im Auswärtigen Dienst, des­ import­ant basic information on the topic in Gemeinsam mit seinen Partnern setzt sich Deutschland weltweit für Frieden, Sicherheit, sen Zentrale sich in Berlin befindet, arbeiten Demokratie und Menschenrechte ein. Der von rund 11.652 Beschäftigte. Insgesamt unterhält Deutschland vertretene erweiterte Sicher­ heitsbegriff umfasst neben Fragen der Krisen­ Deutschland 227 Auslandsvertretungen. prävention, Abrüstung und Rüstungskontrolle Das vorrangige Ziel der deutschen Außenpo­ nachhaltige wirtschaftliche, ökologische und litik ist der Erhalt von Frieden und Sicherheit soziale Aspekte. Dazu gehören eine Globali­ in der Welt. Zu den Grundkoordinaten gehört sierung die umfassende Integration in die Strukturen mit Chancen für alle, grenz­ question by way of introduction. Subsequently, überschreitender Umwelt­ und Klimaschutz, der multilateralen Zusammenarbeit. Konkret der Dialog zwischen den Kulturen sowie Offen­ bedeutet dies: eine enge Partnerschaft mit heit gegenüber Gästen und Einwanderern. Seit Frankreich in der Europäischen Union (EU), dem Ende des Ost­West­Konflikts in den frü­ die feste Verankerung in der Wertegemein­ hen 1990er­Jahren haben sich für die deutsche Die deutsche Außenpolitik ist fest eingebunden in die multilaterale Zusammenarbeit the various aspects of the topic are ­explored in depth. Moreover, each chapter contains numer148 | 149 Anzeigenumsätzen in schwerem Fahrwasser. GLOBAL Über 100 Zeitungen haben als Antwort auf die Deutsche Welle Die Deutsche Welle (DW) ist der Auslandsrundfunk Deutschlands und Mitglied der ARD (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der öffentlichrechtlichen Rundfunkanstalten der Bundesrepublik Deutschland). Die DW sendet in 30 Sprachen, sie bietet Fernsehen (DW-TV), Radio, Internet sowie Medienentwicklung im Rahmen der DW Akademie. Kostenfreie Nachrichten in vier Sprachen bietet der German News Service für Interessierte und Medien. Umsonst-Kultur im Netz inzwischen Bezahlschranken eingeführt. Die Verlagslandschaft ist in Bewegung – auch weil inzwischen fast 800.000 täglich verkaufte Zeitungsexemplare als E-Paper digital vertrieben werden und die Zahlen der Digital-Abos stetig zunehmen. Die Digitalisierung der Medienwelt, das Internet, die dynamische Zunahme mobiler Endgeräte und der Siegeszug der sozialen Medien haben das Mediennutzungsverhalten signi- tion as well as cross-media services. → dw.com fikant verändert. 62,4 Millionen Deutsche über Deutschlands größter Newsroom: die Zentralredaktion der Deutschen Presse-Agentur (dpa) in Berlin 14 Jahre (89,8 Prozent) sind heute online. Mehr als 50 Millionen Menschen nutzen das Internet Pro Erscheinungstag werden 16,1 Millionen Online“ und das Boulevardblatt „Bild“ gelten Tageszeitungen und fünf Millionen Wochen- als die meistzitierten Medien. täglich. Durchschnittlich verbrachte jeder Nutzer täglich rund 165 Minuten online (gerechnet führenden Blätter, die überregionalen Tages- mehr als jeder Zweite surft inzwischen mobil. Zugleich befindet sich die Branche in einem zeitungen „Süddeutsche Zeitung“, „Frankfur- tiefgreifenden Strukturwandel. Die Tageszei- Zudem ist gut die Hälfte aller Internetnutzer ter Allgemeine Zeitung“, „Die Welt“, „Die Zeit“, tungen büßen seit 15 Jahren regelmäßig durch- Mitglied einer privaten Community. Die digitale „taz“ und „Handelsblatt“, zeichnen sich durch Revolution hat einen neuen Begriff von Öffent- schnittlich 1,5 bis 2 Prozent ihrer bezahlten meinungsbildend am Diskurs teilnehmen kann. Ob die interaktiven Versammlungsorte im Netz abzuwarten. Im Bemühen gegen Fake News und gezielte Desinformation nehmen Journalisten gedruckten Auflage ein. Sie erreichen immer lichkeit hervorgebracht; die sozialen Medien seltener jüngere Leserschichten und befinden und die Bloggosphäre sind der Spiegel einer of- Das Nachrichtenmagazin „Spiegel“/„Spiegel sich bei weiterhin rückläufigen Auflagen und fenen und dialogischen Gesellschaft, in der jeder tung wahr. Vielfältiger Zugang: So gehen die Deutschen ins Internet Tägliche Mediennutzung DIAGRAMM Rasante Entwicklung: Internetnutzer in Deutschland in Millionen aller Sparten ihre journalistische Verantwor- 62,4 66 49 % Smartphone/ Handy 38,6 18,3 4,1 1997 2000 2006 2010 2017 ARD/ZDF-Onlinestudie 2016 Digitaler Alltag Die mobile Internetnutzung und die Verwendung mobiler Endgeräte steigen in Deutschland deutlich an. Mit der zunehmenden mobilen Datennutzung wachsen die technologischen Anforderungen an die Netzinfrastruktur. Studien zeigen auch: Die Zahl der Internetnutzer steigt seit geraumer Zeit nur noch geringfügig. 57 % Laptop 38 % Tablet-PC 44 % Computer, PC → Information in 14 languages zugleich das Fundament für einen zukunftsfähigen digitalen Journalismus bilden, bleibt investigative Recherche, Analyse, Hintergrund und umfassende Kommentierung aus. Fernsehen 174 Min. Radio 160 Min. Internet 149 Min. Zeitung 17 Min. ARD-ZDF-Onlinestudie 2017/Studienreihe „Medien und ihr Publikum“ auf die Gesamtbevölkerung: 149 Minuten); und Sonntagszeitungen verkauft (2016). Die ARD/ZDF-Onlinestudie 2017 Topic: Fact-based texts offer an in-depth and expanded consideration of the key aspects. ous references to further sources of informa- K U LT U R & M E D I E N → Nine chapters → Various information levels → Tips for further information → Key players in each topic 110 | 111 BILDUNG & WISSEN PANORAMA EXZELLENTE FORSCHUNG Mission Rosetta Die Mission der europäischen Weltraumorganisation ESA erforschte die Entstehungsgeschichte unseres Sonnensystems. Das DLR hatte großen Anteil beim Bau der Landeeinheit Philae und betreibt das Kontrollzentrum, das die bisher nie gewagte Landung auf einem Kometen betreute. Gewicht: Dimension: Landung: 100 kg 1 x 1 x 0,8 m 12. November 2014 Rosetta-Sonde Zehn Jahre war die Sonde unterwegs, um Philae auf dem Kometen Tschurjumow-Gerassimenko abzusetzen. → Print-to-Web links via augmented reality Forschungsschiff Sonne Die Sonne ist das jüngste Schiff der deutschen Forschungsflotte und seit Ende 2014 vor allem im Pazifik und im Indischen Ozean den Geheimnissen der Tiefsee auf der Spur. Das Hightech-Schiff gilt als eines der modernsten Forschungsschiffe der Welt. Kabinendeck mit 33 Crew-Kabinen Arbeitsdeck 8 Labors auf 600 m2 Gemeinschaftsdeck mit Messe und Bibliothek Lagerdeck mit 20 Wissenschaftler-Kabinen Philae Lander Philae Lander Philae setzte als erster Apparat weich auf einem Kometen auf. 6 Kräne 9 Winden Länge: Geschwindigkeit: Seezeit (max.): Personal (max.): Einsatzgebiete: applications 116 m 12,5 kn 52 Tage 40 Personen Indik, Pazifik Neumayer-Station III Im ewigen Eis der Antarktis betreibt das Alfred-WegenerInstitut die Forschungsstation Neumayer III, in der ganzjährig Wissenschaftler leben und arbeiten. Sie steht auf Stelzen und wächst mit der Schneedecke mit. Masse: Größe: Nutzfläche: Labor/Büro: Unterkünfte: 399 Hochschulen und Universitäten 2.300 Tonnen 68 x 24 m 4.890 m2 über vier Etagen 12 Räume 15 Räume, 40 Betten 2,8 Mio. Studierende an Hochschulen Multicorer Er kann gleichzeitig viele kleine Proben vom Meeresboden ausstechen. 92,2 Mrd. € Ausgaben für Forschung und Entwicklung 586.030 Forscherinnen und Forscher 81 Max-PlanckInstitute weltweit Unterwasserfahrzeug Es ist ferngesteuert und mit Videokamera und Greifarmen ausgerüstet. Wasserschöpfkranz Das Gerät nimmt Wasserproben und misst Temperatur und Tiefe. 72 FraunhoferInstitute 93 Forschungseinrichtungen der Leibniz-Gemeinschaft 18 Forschungszentren der Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft MORE ABOUT GERMANY Anyone wanting to find out more about polit­ Panorama: Extensive info graphics complement the chapters, adding an exciting visual component. ics and business, about culture, science, and society can rely on the Deutschland.de website. Here you will find the stories behind the stories in the news and access to contacts who can provide the right information on topics facts-about-germany.de: Modern design meets concentrated information. DIGITAL Pride of place in the extensive multimedia digital offerings goes to the website factsabout-germany.de. What is more, the responsive design enables optimum use on mobile end devices. The “Facts” range also includes e-paper editions and e-reader services. The facts-about-germany.de website won the German Design Council’s German Design Award 2018 in the category “Excellent Communications Design – Online Publications”. → Information in 14 languages → Videos and interactive graphics VIDEO AR APP Additional digital material 1. Download the free app “AR Kiosk” from your app store onto your mobile device. “AR Kiosk” is available from iTunes and Google Play. 2. Start the app and hold your smartphone or tablet over the image with the icon Video & AR app (pages 23, 39, 59, 79, 95, 115, 135, 155). Additional digital information is available via these pages. → Additional chapter “German History” → E xtensive background information and in-depth key words on each chapter 3. As soon as the app has recognised the image, the bonus material will automatically open. such as studying, working, or travelling. deutschland.de The website also casts a regional glance at the facebook.com/deutschland.de topics and people linking Germany and its twitter.com/en_germany partners around the world – in contributions instagram.com/deutschland_de for ten world regions. And feel free to interact with Germany on social media channels. 6|7 AT A GLANCE AT A GLANCE Federal Republic ∙ Crests & Symbols ∙ Demographics ∙ Geography & Climate ∙ Parliament & Parties ∙ Political System ∙ Federal Government ∙ Famous Germans FEDERAL REPUBLIC Germany is a federation. The federation and ­states were founded: Brandenburg, Meck- the 16 Länder (states) each have areas of re- lenburg-West Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony- sponsibility of their own. Responsibility for Anhalt, and Thuringia. With 17.9 million internal security, schools, universities, cul- inhabitants, North Rhine-Westphalia is the ture, and municipal administration lies with most populous state, while its 70,540 square the states. The administrative authorities of kilometres make Bavaria the largest in the states enforce not only their own laws, terms of surface area; with 4,012 inhabit- but also those of the federation. Through ants per square kilometre Berlin, the capital, their representatives in the Bundesrat the is the most densely populated. There is one governments of the states are directly in- peculiarity: the three city states. Their territory volved in the federation’s legislation. is restricted in each case to a major city, namely Berlin, Bremen/Bremerhaven, and Federalism in Germany is more than just a Hamburg. With 420 square kilometres and system of federal states; it represents the 679,000 inhabitants, Bremen is the smallest country’s decentral cultural and economic state. Econom­ically speaking, Baden-Wurttem- structure and is deeply rooted in tradition. berg is one of the strongest regions in Europe. Over and above their political function, the After the Second World War, Saarland was states are also a reflection of pronounced a partly sovereign state and a French protector- ­regional identities. The strong position of ate, and was only integrated in the former the states was established in the Basic Law in territory of the Federal Republic as the tenth 1949; on reunification in 1990, five new state on 1 January 1957. The 16 federal states Kiel SCHLESWIGHOLSTEIN HAMBURG MECKLENBURGWEST POMERANIA Schwerin BREMEN BRANDENBURG LOWER SAXONY BERLIN Magdeburg Hanover S A XO N YA N H A LT NORTH RHINEWESTPHALIA Dresden Erfurt Düsseldorf THURINGIA HESSE Wiesbaden RHINELANDPA L AT I N AT E Potsdam Mainz SAARLAND Saarbrücken Stuttgart BADENWURTTEMBERG State capital B AVA R I A Munich SAXONY 8|9 AT A GLANCE Federal Eagle The Federal Eagle is the German state symbol that is the richest in tradition. The Federal President, the Bundesrat, the Federal Constitutional Court, and the Bundestag use differently styled eagles. The eagles that appear on coins and the national strip of German sports associations also differ in terms of design. Flag Basic Law Passed in 1949 in Bonn, the Basic Law was initially intended to be provisional. After reunification in 1990 the version was then adopted as the permanent constitution. The 146 Articles of the Basic Law supersede all other German legal norms and define the basic systems and values of the state. National Holiday 3 October The Basic Law states that the colours of the federal flag shall be black, red, and gold. ­In 1949, this followed on from the flag of the first German republic of 1919. The Nazis had abolished the latter and ­replaced it with the swastika. As the Day of German Unity, in the Unification Treaty of 1990 3 October was declared a national holiday in Germany. The Day of German Unity is the only national holiday to be determined by federal law. Currency Domain € The euro has been the legal tender in Germany ­since 1 January 2002. It replaced the deutschmark, which had been in use since 1948. The European Central Bank (ECB) is headquartered in the ­German financial centre Frankfurt am Main. +49 .de The domain “.de” is the most widespread country-specific domain in Germany, and the most popular worldwide. Using the international dialling code +49, 99.9 percent of households can be reached via landline or mobile telephone. National Anthem The German national anthem consists only of the third stanza of the Deutschlandlied by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben (1841). The melody was written by J­ oseph Haydn in 1796-97. Ei – nig – keit Da – nach lasst für das brü – der Ei – nig sind des Blüh blü im – he, – – und uns deut – sche lich mit keit Glü und – ckes Glan deut – ze Recht und al – le Va – Herz Recht Un ter und und – ter die – ses – sches Va Frei – heit stre – ben – land! Hand! Frei – – heit pfand. Glü – ckes, – ter – land! 10 | 11 AT A GLANCE DEMOGRAPHICS With regard to demographic developments there are three clear trends in Germany: a LIFE EXPECTANCY 83 years / 78 years Women Men low birth rate, rising life expectancy, and an aging society. With 1.36 million babies born, Germany registered its highest birth rate in 1964, since when the country has been at a low as far as births are concerned. In 2016 however the number of new babies born rose for the fifth year in a row; with a birth rate of 1.59 children per woman, Germany moved IMMIGRANTS IN 2016 1,865,000 into the European statistical midfield. Nonetheless, for 35 years the generation of children has been about a third smaller than that of its parents – nowadays there are twice as many 50-year-olds as there are newborn ­babies. At the same time, life expectancy is rising. For men it is on average 78 years, for women 83 years. The demographic changes and the serious EMIGRANTS IN 2016 1,365,000 impact they have on economic development and the welfare systems are being cushioned by immigration. Just over 22 percent of the people living in Germany (18.6 million) have a migration background. More than half of them have a German passport. Members of four national minorities are recognised as having long-established roots and enjoy HOUSEHOLDS ­special protection and support: the Danish 40.8 m minority (50,000) and the Friesian ethnic group (60,000) in north Germany, the ­Lusatian Sorbs (60,000) along the GermanPolish border, and the German Sinti and ­Roma (70,000). POPULATION GENDER DISTRIBUTION 40.74 m 82.6 m 41.83 m Women Men AGE STRUCTURE 100 95 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 Source: Federal Statistical Office 15 10 5 0 700 600 500 Persons in thousands 400 300 Women 200 100 0 0 Age in years 100 200 300 Men 400 500 600 700 Persons in thousands 12 | 13 AT A GLANCE GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE Germany lies at the heart of Europe. It shares LOCATION Central Europe its borders with nine other nations. No other European country has more neighbours. In the north, Germany has access to the North and Baltic Seas. In the south it borders on the Alps. At 2,962 metres the Zugspitze in Bav­ aria is its highest peak. At 3.54 metres below sea level the lowest point on land is near Neuendorf-Sachsenbande in Schleswig-Holstein. Measuring 357,340 square kilometres, Germany is the fourth largest country in the European Union (EU) after France, Spain, and Sweden. Forests cover almost a third of its total surface area. Lakes, rivers, and other SURFACE AREA 357,340 km2 inland waters account for more than two percent. The Rhine is the longest river. In the southwest it marks the border between Germany and France, further north Bonn, Cologne, and Düsseldorf all lie on its banks. The Elbe, the second-longest river, links Dresden, Magdeburg, and Hamburg and flows into the North Sea. Germany enjoys a moderate climate. In July, the mean maximum temperature is 21.8 degrees Celsius, the minimum 12.3 degrees. In January, the mean maximum is 2.1 degrees, the minimum –2.8 degrees. The highest temperature since records began was recorded on 5 July 2015 in Kitzingen am Main, namely 40.3 degrees Celsius. CAPITAL Berlin 891.70 km2 HOURS OF SUN RAIN 1,595 850 l/m2 COASTLINE LONGEST RIVER 2,442 km Rhine 865 km in Germany HIGHEST MOUNTAIN FORESTED AREA 114,191 km 2 Zugspitze 2,962 m 14 | 15 AT A GLANCE Parties PARLIAMENT & PARTIES The German Bundestag is elected every four years by free, secret, and direct ballot by citizens Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) 427,173 members 2017 election result: 26.8 percent aged 18 and over who are eligible to vote. The Bundestag is the German parliament. Half of the at least 598 seats in the Bundestag are allocated through the election of candidates put up by the parties on state lists (second votes), the other half through the election of persons in Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) 463,723 members 2017 election result: 20.5 percent 299 constituencies (first votes). The German electoral system makes it difficult for any one party to form a government on its own – meaning that a coalition tends to be the rule. In order to prevent complications in the formation of majorities by the presence of small and very Alternative for Germany (AfD) 29,000 members 2017 election result: 12.6 percent small parties, a threshold known as “the five percent hurdle” excludes parties that poll less than that being represented in the Bundestag. Seven parties with 709 members of parliament are represented in the 19th Bundestag: CDU, Free Democratic Party (FDP) 63,050 members 2017 election result: 10.7 percent CSU, SPD, AfD, FDP, The Left party, and Alliance 90/The Greens. Ever since the first Bundestag election in 1949, the CDU and its sister party CSU, which only stands in Bavaria, have formed a single parliamentary party. Alternative for The Left party 62,182 members 2017 election result: 9.2 percent Germany (AfD) entered parliament for the first time in this legislative period; the FDP is once again represented in the Bundestag after a fouryear break. The current Federal Government is made up of a coalition of CDU/CSU and SPD, Alliance 90 / The Greens 65,257 members 2017 election result: 8.9 percent with Dr. Angela Merkel (CDU) as the Federal Chancellor, Olaf Scholz (SPD) as Deputy Chancellor and Heiko Maas (SPD) as Federal Foreign Minister. AfD, FDP, The Left party and the Greens form the parliamentary opposition. Christian Social Union (CSU) 141,000 members 2017 election result: 6.2 percent Bundestag The Bundestag has at least 598 members. In addition, there tend to be what are known as “overhang and equalising” seats. The 19th ­ undestag as elected in 2017 has 709 members. B Independent 2 seats 709 seats The Left party 69 seats AfD 92 seats FDP 80 seats SPD 153 seats CDU 200 seats CSU 46 seats Greens 67 seats Bundesrat The Bundesrat is one of five permanent constitutional bodies. It represents the Länder, the federal states. The Bundesrat is made up of 69 representatives of the state governments. Each state has at least three, the most populous state up to six votes. Baden-Wurttemberg 6 Bavaria 6 Berlin 4 Brandenburg 4 Bremen 3 Hamburg 3 Hessen 5 3 Mecklenburg-West Pomerania 4 Thuringia 4 Schleswig-Holstein 4 Saxony-Anhalt 4 Saxony 3 Saarland 4 Rhineland-Palatinate 6 North Rhine-Westphalia 6 Lower Saxony 16 | 17 AT A GLANCE POLITICAL SYSTEM In terms of protocol, the Federal President is Germany’s most senior representative. The President of the Bundestag is, in terms of protocol, the second most senior. The proxy for the Federal President is the President of the Bundesrat – an office held on an annual basis The people elect All German citizens aged 18 and over are eligible to vote. They elect MPs in a general, ­direct, free, and equal election by secret ballot. by the premier of the one of the federal states. The office with the greatest political power is that of the Federal Chancellor. The President elect of the Federal Constitutional Court is likewise one of the country’s high representatives. State parliaments Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, b. 1956, Federal ­President since March 2017 Dr. Angela Merkel, b. 1954, CDU, Federal Chancellor since November 2005 As a rule the legislature of the state parliaments is five years. The state constitutions ­regulate their powers and how they are organised. send delegates to elect State governments Dr. Wolfgang Schäuble, b. 1942, CDU, Bundestag President since 2017 Dr. Andreas Vosskuhle, b. 1963, President of the Federal Constitutional Court The state governments are elected in each case by the state parliaments in a secret vote, and can also be brought down by them. send delegates to The Bundestag elects The parliament is elected for four years and has 598 members. In addition there are so-called overhang and equalising seats. The Bundestag is responsible for legislation and monitoring government. The Federal Chancellor proposes The Federal ­Government The government comprises the Federal Chancellor and the federal ministers. Each minister runs his or her ministry independently. The Chancellor is elected by the Bundestag in a secret vote. The Chancellor determines policy guidelines and is head of the Cabinet. elects sends delegates to appoints appoints The Federal Assembly The Federal President The Federal Assembly convenes solely for the purpose of electing the Federal President, whom it elects in a secret vote for a five-year term of office. The head of state’s duties are primarily of a representative nature and he represents the Federal Republic in international matters. He appoints the Chancellor and the federal ministers and issues laws. elects elects The Bundesrat Federal Constitutional Court The chamber of states is made up of 69 members delegated by the state governments. In many fields laws require the approval of the Bundesrat. The Court has 16 judges. Half of them are elected with a two-thirds majority by the Bundestag and Bundesrat. elects 18 | 19 AT A GLANCE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT The Federal Chancellor and the federal ministers form the Federal Government, the cabinet. Alongside the Chancellor’s power to set policy guidelines, within these general par­ ameters ministers on principle run their ministries independently; the collective principle also applies, whereby the Federal Government settles disputes by majority decision. The federal cabinet consists of 14 ministers and the Head of the Federal Chancellery. The federal ministries are the highest federal authorities for the relevant departments. The Basic Law assigns the Chancellor a special role: “The Federal Chancellor shall determine and be responsible for the general guidelines of policy.” The Federal Chancellery and the federal ministries employ around 18,000 staff members. The Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry of Defence are among the ministries with large payrolls. Eight ministries are based in Berlin, six in the Federal City of Bonn. All the ministries maintain offices in both cities. Federal Ministries Federal Ministry of Finance → bundesfinanzministerium.de Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community → bmi.bund.de Federal Foreign Office → diplo.de Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy → bmwi.de Federal Ministry of Justice and ­Consumer Protection → bmjv.de Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs → bmas.de Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture → bmel.de Federal Ministry of Defence → bmvg.de Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth → bmfsfj.de Federal Ministry of Health → bundesgesundheitsministerium.de Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure → bmvi.de Federal Ministry for the Environment, ­Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety → bmu.de Federal Ministry of Education and Research → bmbf.de Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development → bmz.de Federal Presidents & Federal Chancellors Federal Presidents 1949 1950 Federal Chancellors 1955 Theodor Heuss (FDP) 1949–1959 1960 Konrad Adenauer (CDU) 1949–1963 1965 Heinrich Luebke (CDU) 1959–1969 Ludwig Erhard (CDU) 1963–1966 Kurt Georg Kiesinger (CDU) 1966–1969 1970 Willy Brandt (SPD) 1969–1974 Gustav Heinemann (SPD) 1969–1974 1975 Walter Scheel (FDP) 1974–1979 1980 Helmut Schmidt (SPD) 1974–1982 Karl Carstens (CDU) 1979–1984 1985 1990 Richard v. Weizsaecker (CDU) 1984–1994 1995 Helmut Kohl (CDU) 1982–1998 Roman Herzog (CDU) 1994–1999 2000 Johannes Rau (SPD) 1999–2004 2005 Horst Koehler (CDU) 2004–2010 Gerhard Schroeder (SPD) 1998–2005 2010 Christian Wulff (CDU) 2010–2012 2015 Joachim Gauck (no party) 2012–2017 Frank-Walter Steinmeier (SPD) since 2017 Angela Merkel (CDU) since 2005 20 | 21 AT A GLANCE FAMOUS GERMANS Celebrated classics, courageous visionaries, astute thinkers: Germany’s history is rich in people who achieved extraordinary things. Many of them are famous far beyond the country’s borders. The Goethe-Institut has been indirectly spreading the name of the best-known of all Germans, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, throughout the world since 1951. Wagner fans from all over the world Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Poet, playwright, scholar: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749– 1832) is regarded as an all-round genius and the classic in German literature. congregate every year at the Bayreuth Festival to pay homage to “Der Ring des Nibelungen”. Names such as Humboldt and Einstein, Röntgen and Planck, Benz and Otto established Germany’s reputation as a country of researchers and engineers. They were followed by Stefan Hell, Nobel Prize Laureate for Chemistry, and astronaut Alexander Gerst. In earlier days, women faced difficulties leading similarly high-profile lives. Yet there are nonetheless many famous women, such as Clara Schumann, Maria Sibylla Merian, Friedrich von Schiller A fighter for freedom: Friedrich von Schiller (1759–1805) is regarded as one of the world’s great playwrights (“The Robbers”, “Mary Stuart”, “Don Carlos”) and as an important essayist. ­Paula Modersohn-Becker, Rosa Luxemburg, Anna Seghers, Sophie Scholl, and the great choreograph Pina Bausch. Today, writer and poet Herta Müller and researcher Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard are just two examples of women who have achieved outstanding work. All these women are regarded as role models for a modern society which enables men and women alike to participate and enjoy equal opportunities – even though this still requires a concerted effort.  Johann Sebastian Bach Virtuoso of Baroque church music: J­ ohann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) ­perfected the strict “art of the fugue” and composed more than 200 cantatas and oratorios. Marlene Dietrich Ludwig van Beethoven The film diva: Marlene Dietrich (1901–1992) was one of only a few German actresses to become an icon (“The Blue Angel”). Born in Berlin, she took US c­ itizenship in 1939. Pioneer of Romanticism: Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827), focussing clearly on form, brought a completely new measure of personal expression and sensitivity to bear in music (“9th Symphony”). Thomas Mann Albrecht Dürer A master of the novel and novella: Thomas Mann (1875–1955) is one of the most ­important authors of 20th-century world literature. In 1929 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in ­Literature for his family ­saga “Buddenbrooks”. German Renaissance artist: Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528) from Nuremberg is one of the most important and versatile figures in the history of art. He revolutionised woodcarving and copperplate engraving techniques. Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen Willy Brandt Discoverer of X-rays: Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (1845–1923) discovered X-rays in 1895 in Würzburg. In 1901 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics. Since then more than 80 leading German scientists have received a Nobel Prize. Politician and cosmopolitan: Willy Brandt (1913–1992) as Federal Chancellor from 1969–1974 initiated a policy of detente; like no other he embodied the democratic and social changes of the time – in 1971 he received the Nobel Peace Prize. 22 | 23 THE STATE & POLITICS THE STATE & POLITICS New Tasks ∙ Federal State ∙ Active Politics ∙ Broad Participation ∙ Political Berlin ∙ Vibrant Culture of Remembrance INSIGHT NEW TASKS Germany is a value-based, democratic, eco- for Germany, AfD) is represented in the Bun- nomically successful, and cosmopolitan coun- destag for the first time. Federal Chancellor try. The polit­ical landscape is diverse. Follow- Dr. Angela Merkel (CDU) has been head of gov- ing the elections for the 19th German Bun­ ernment since 2005 and is now in her fourth destag (2017) initially the CDU/CSU, which term. She is the first woman in the history of emerged from the elections as the largest par- the Federal Republic of Germany to hold this ty, explored the option of a coalition govern- office. Deputy Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Federal ment with the FDP and Alliance 90/The Minister of Finance) and Heiko Maas (Federal Greens. The talks failed. Subsequently the Foreign Minister) are important representa- CDU/CSU and SPD formed a Grand Coalition tives of the SPD in the Cabinet. The Cabinet is in March 2018 after tough coalition talks and made up of 14 ministers and the Head of the an SPD members’ vote. The previous legisla- Federal Chancellery. The Coalition Agreement tive period had already seen such an alliance entitled “A New Awakening for Europe, a New of the two strongest forces in the German par- Dynamic for Germany, a New Cohesion for ty system. Of the 709 Members of Parliament, Our Country” serves as the basis of the govern- the coalition partners account for 399 seats ment parties’ joint work. (CDU/CSU 246, SPD 153). The oppos­ition consists of the AfD (92 seats), FDP (80), The Left In 2018, the German economy will enter its party (69) and Alliance 90/The Greens (67), plus ninth year of consecutive growth, employment two independent MPs. The right-wing popu- is at a record high, and government revenue list Alternative für Deutschland (Alternative and national insurance contributions have VIDEO AR APP The State & Politics: the video on the topic → tued.net/en/vid1 The Reichstag Building in Berlin has been the seat of the German Bundestag since 1999. Sir Norman Foster designed the glass dome 24 | 25 THE STATE & POLITICS risen. New debt assumed by central government is an expression of the uncertainty and dis- has been reduced to zero. The Energy Transition satisfaction felt by many people, and as such is being driven forward – renewable energies the Federal Government aims to, as stated in are on the way to becoming the decisive the Coalition Agreement, “safeguard that technol­ogy for generating electricity. which is good, but at the same time demonstrate the courage to engage in political de- Together, the people in Germany have made bate and bring about renewal and change”. the gradual fusion of east and west Germany, a major issue since Reunification in 1990, into a success story. The “Solidarity Pact II”, for which 156.5 billion euros are set aside, will remain in force until 2019. All tax-paying citizens in the east and west con­tinue to play a joint role in the “Aufbau Ost” project to redevelop the east through the “solidarity surcharge”, a supplementary contribution which today stands at 5.5 percent of personal income tax. That said, new tasks await. As in other indus- INTERNET The German Bundestag Elections, Members of Parliament, ­parliamentary groups → bundestag.de The Bundesrat Composition, duties, sessions → bundesrat.de trialised countries, demographic change is regarded as a challenge. The topics of immigration and integration are also high on the agenda. The result of the Bundestag elections The Federal President State visits, appointments, duties → bundespraesident.de Chaired by Federal Chancellor Merkel, the federal cabinet meets every Wednesday at 9.30 a.m. in the Federal Chancellery COMPACT PLAYERS & ORGANISATIONS Political parties Germany is a party-based democracy. Seven parties are represented in the 19th German Bundestag – CDU, CSU, SPD, AfD, FDP, The Left party, and Alliance 90/The Greens. There are also around 25 small parties, whose influence is limited on account of the five-percent hurdle. Some of them are represented, however, in various federal state parliaments. The Social Social movements Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) is the Since the 1970s many people in Germany have party with the most members (463,700). The been actively involved in environmental groups, Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has around citizens’ movements, and non-government or- 427,000 members, its sister party the Christian ganisations. With over half a million members, Social Union (CSU) in Bavaria 141,000 (2017). Friends of the Earth Germany (BUND) is the → bundeswahlleiter.de largest environmental association. → bund.net Trade unions The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) Public opinion research embraces eight individual trade unions and has Numerous opinion research institutes regularly 6 million members. With 2.3 million members conduct research into the political climate in IG Metall, the metal workers’ union, which Germany. Institutes such as infratest dimap, among other things represents workers in the ­Allensbach, Forsa, Emnid, and Forschungs- automotive sector, is the single largest union. gruppe Wahlen have a particularly strong pres- The trade unions’ ideas have weight and influ- ence in the run-up to elections, but also with ence in political debates. up-to-date weekly barometers that indicate the → dgb.de general mood. Industrial federations As industry’s umbrella organisation, the Feder­ ation of German Industries (BDI) unites 35 sector federations and speaks on behalf of around 100,000 companies. → bdi.de DIGITAL PLUS More information about all the topics in the chapter – annotated link lists, ­articles, documents; plus more indepth information about terms such as Bundesrat, Federal Government, federal state, Bundestag, Federal Constitutional Court, Basic Law, electoral system. → tued.net/en/dig1 26 | 27 THE STATE & POLITICS TOPIC FEDERAL STATE Germany is a parliamentary and federal dem­ ment that decide which persons will head ocracy. The German Bundestag, the con­ the ministries they were allocated in the co­ stitutional body most present in the public alition negotiations. If a coalition collapses, eye, is directly elected by citizens eligible to the Chancellor can also fall prior to the end vote every four years. The most important of the electoral term, as the Federal Govern- tasks of the Bundestag are legislation and ment has the right to vote the head of gov- to oversee the government’s work. The Bun- ernment out of office at any time. In such destag elects the Federal Chancellor for the ­cases parliament must, however, name a suc- legislative period by secret ballot. Within cessor at the same time in what is known as a the Federal Government the Chancellor has “constructive vote of no confidence”. This the authority to lay down guidelines, in other means that there can be no period of time words determines binding broad policy without an elected government in office. lines. The Federal Chancellor appoints the federal ministers, and from among them a Coalition governments are Deputy Chancellor. In actual fact, however, the rule in Germany it is the parties that make up the governThe system of personalised proportional representation is decisive with regard to the character of the parliament. This way, LIST ∙ Largest federal state: North RhineWestphalia (17.9 million inhabitants) ∙ Highest individual federal ministry budget: Labour and Social Affairs (137.6 billion euros) ∙ Largest Bundestag committee: Economic Affairs and Energy (49 members) ∙ Highest turnout: 1972 election to the Bundestag (91.1 percent) ∙ Largest parl. party: CDU/CSU (246 MPs) smaller parties are also represented in the Bundestag in proportion to their election results. For this reason, with one exception, the Federal Government has always been formed through an alliance of several parties that had competed against each other in the election; since the first Bundestag election in 1949 there have been 24 coalition governments. To avoid fragmentation in parliament and make forming a government easier, parties must poll at least five per cent of the votes cast (or three direct mandates) in order to be represented in the Bundestag (this rule is known as the five percent hurdle). On the roof of the Reichstag in Berlin: around 8,000 people visit the parliamentary building every day Germany’s federal character is revealed in primarily through the Bundesrat, the upper the large level of independence the 16 federal house, which is made up of members of the states enjoy, in particular with regard to the federal state governments and is likewise in police, disaster control, the law, and culture. Berlin. Densely populated federal states have For historical reasons the cities of Berlin, greater representation in the Bundesrat than Hamburg, and Bremen are also federal smaller ones. By being coalition partners in states. The close links between the federal federal state governments, parties that at states and central government is unique, re- federal level are in opposition, or not even sulting in the state governments having nu- represented in the Bundestag, can thus merous opportunities to play an active role ­potentially exert an influence on politics at in central government policy. This occurs federal level, as numerous federal acts and 28 | 29 THE STATE & POLITICS decrees require the approval of the Bun­ there were two combinations of SPD and desrat. Since 2011 and 2014 the two smallest Greens, two of CDU and Greens, one of SPD parties represented in the Bundestag, Alli- and The Left party, two coalitions of The ance 90/The Greens and The Left party, have Left party, SPD, and Greens and one coali- provided the Prime Minister in one federal tion each of CDU and FDP; of CDU, Greens, state each (Baden-Wurttemberg and Thur- and FDP; of SPD, FDP, and Greens; and of ingia respectively). SPD, CDU, and Greens. Because there is no uniform election date The Federal President is the most senior for the federal state parliaments and the le­ political person in the country gislature periods vary, parallel to the legislative term in the Bundestag the balance of In terms of protocol the Federal President power in the Bundesrat can change several holds the highest office. He is elected not by the times. With the current constellation of the people, but by a Federal Assembly convened chamber of federal states, the Federal Gov- specially for the purpose. Half of it is made up ernment has no safe majority in the Bun- of the members of the Bundestag, the other desrat. There are no longer any distinct half of members elected by the federal state blocks demonstrating uniform voting be- parliaments in relation to the distribution of haviour, as there is more diversity with re- seats there. The Federal President holds office gard to coalitions in the 16 federal states for five years and may be r­e-elected once. than ever before in the Federal Republic. Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier has been Federal President since 2017. As an SPD politician he Only in Bavaria can a single party, the CSU, served as Federal Foreign Minister from 2005 rule without a coalition partner. Otherwise, until 2009 and from 2013 until 2017. Stein­ in spring 2018, in addition to four state govern- meier is the 12th Federal President since 1949. ments made up of the CDU and SPD parties Although the Federal President’s duties are MILESTONES 1949 On 23 May the Parliamentary Council, which is made up of representatives of the states in the Western Occupation Zones, rresolves the Basic Law in Bonn. The first Bundestag is elected on 14 August. 1953 On 17 June 1953 around one million people take to the streets in East Berlin and East Germany in protest at the political and economic conditions. The uprising is quashed by a massive military operation. 1961 In Berlin, the East German leadership seals off the crossings from east to west: with a wall and barbed wire. Anyone henceforth seen trying to escape is shot. The unity of Germany as a state seems unattainable for the foreseeable future. primarily ­representational in ­nature, he can GLOBAL refuse to put his signature to legislation if he Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Elections of the Federal Parliament (Bundestag) At the invitation of Germany, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) observed the election of the Bundestag on 24 September 2017. In their report, the OSCE experts certified that Germany conducted a fair election which was not influenced by manipulations, such as by hackers. has doubts about it complying with the constitution. Previous incumbents have exerted the greatest influence through public speeches, which receive great attention. The Federal Presidents refrain from becoming involved in party politics, but do tackle current issues and from time to time urge the government, parliament, and the population to take action. During the formation of a government following the 2017 Bundestag elections, which, for → osce.org Germany, was an unusually protracted process, it was important to Steinmeier to avoid fresh elections. Without his intervention, it is unlikely the SPD would have entered into a Grand Coalition at this point in time. The Federal Constitutional Court in binding interpretation of the constitutional Karlsruhe: guardian of the Basic Law text. In two panels it passes judgement on disputes between constitutional bodies about The Federal Constitutional Court in Karls­ ­areas of jurisdiction, and can declare laws to ruhe, which the population holds in very high be incompatible with the Basic Law. Any citi- esteem, exerts great influence. It is regarded zen can appeal to the Constitutional Court if as “the guardian of the Basic Law” and he is of the opinion that a law violates his ba- through its important decisions provides a sic rights.  1969 Willy Brandt is the first Chancellor not to be a member of the CDU party. The Ostpolitik of the coalition government made up of the SPD and FDP creates a framework for the reconciliation of Germany with its eastern neighbours. 1989-90 In East Germany, peaceful protests lead to the regime being toppled. On 9 November the border with the West is opened. After the first free elections on 18 March, East Germany accedes to the Federal Republic on 3 October 1990. 1999 The Bundestag and the Federal Government are relocated to Berlin. The parliamentary buildings stand on both sides of the former course taken by the Wall. Bonn remains the seat of some ministries and federal authorities. 30 | 31 THE STATE & POLITICS TOPIC ACTIVE POLITICS “A New Beginning for Europe. New dyna- For Germany, it wants to ensure that every- mism for Germany. New cohesion for our one benefits from the good economic situ­ country” is the title the Grand Coalition ation. This should create greater social justice chose for its government programme until and reinforce people’s trust in the ability of 2021. It seeks to champion strengthening politics to act effectively. the European Union as a guarantor for peace, security and prosperity. With its ob- The results of the 2017 general elections jective of a balanced budget, which has been spelled strong losses for the major parties achieved since 2014, the Federal Govern- that had formed the last government. By ment considers itself responsible for mone- contrast, the right-wing populaist AfD tary stability, and wishes to be a role model made large gains and entered the Bundestag for its partners in the Eurozone. At the same as the largest opposition party. Despite the time, it has indicated a willingness to make ongoing favourable economic conditions, a larger contribution to the EU budget. To- many people are concerned about the fu- gether with France, the Federal Government ture. Not least this led the Federal Govern- wants to strengthen and reform the Euro- ment to conclude that it needed to foster so- zone to enable the euro to better withstand cial cohesion in the country and overcome global crises. divisions. It has thus set out specifically to strengthen families, improve provisions for old age and unemployment, and promote education, innovations, and digitisation. NUMBER One key element is to more carefully control 0 euros immigration and improve the integration of was what Germany’s federal budget deficit came to in 2017. While expenditure totalled 325.4 billion euros, ­revenue amounted to 330.4 billion euros. For the fourth year in succession, in 2017 central government assumed no new debt. This was thanks above all to higher tax revenues generated by the robust economy. Germany will continue to help people in → bundeshaushalt-info.de migrants. The Basic Law assures politically persecuted persons a basic right to asylum. distress who have a right to asylum. At the same time, the Federal Government is intensifying its efforts to have people who have no prospect of being able to reside in Germany leave the country again. The Federal Government hopes that the reform of the Common European Asylum System will be concluded by 2018. The Bundestag in Berlin is the political stage. There are 709 members of the 19th German Bundestag Following on from successes 30 percent of the members of a supervisory board must be women. At the end of 2017, In the prior legislative period, the Bundestag women accounted for 25 percent of the for the first time resolved a minimum wage ­supervisory board members of Germany’s for all sectors. In 2018, it was EUR 8.84 per 200 largest corporations. Advancing the hour of work and will continue to be re- ­Energy Transition, through which Germany viewed regularly.A quota for women in large has already increased its share of regener­ stock corporations was introduced in 2016. ative energies significantly, as well as the As of the end of 2017 companies have been ­expansion of the digital infrastructure are meeting the requirement that at least further focal points. 32 | 33 THE STATE & POLITICS TOPIC BROAD PARTICIPATION The political parties are granted a major in ­relation to the 61.5 million eligible voters and privileged place in the political system that is a share of 1.7 percent. There is also of the Federal Republic of Germany. Article a downward trend in election turnout. 21 of the Basic Law states that “Political Whereas in the 1970s and 1980s elections parties shall participate in the formation of continually saw high and extremely high the ­political will of the people.” This goes turnouts, (91.1 percent in 1972), in 2013 and hand in hand with an obligation to uphold 2017 the elections to the Bundestag only inner-party democracy: The chairperson, saw turnouts of 71.5 and 76.2 percent re- committees, and candidates must all be spectively. elected by secret ballot of grass roots delegates at party conferences. In order to Young people often find being involved in strengthen this inner-party democracy, in local citizens’ groups and non-government the case of important decisions parties have organisations more appealing. Social media in recent times polled their members di- are also becoming increasingly important as rectly. The SPD members’ vote on the Coali- platforms for a specific type of political articu­ tion Agreement in 2018 was pivotal to the lation and action. Citizens also participate dir­ forming of a joint Federal Government with ectly in political issues through democratic the CDU/CSU. At heart the parties are still procedures such as referendums. Over the expressions of specific strata of society, but past few years, there have been more oppor- at the same time they are losing coherence tunities for direct democracy at both federal in this regard. CDU/CSU and SPD together state and municipal level, and citizens have have around one million party members – made great use of these.  The voice of the people In Germany voting is on the basis of slightly modified personalised proportional representation. Every person ­eligible to vote has two votes. The first is for a party’s candidate in the con­ stituency, the second for a state list of candidates put up by a particular party. The second votes are the basis of the number of seats in the Bundestag. Downward trend: turnout in Bundestag elections (%) 78.5 1949 91.1 1972 89.1 1983 77.8 77.7 76.2 1990 2005 2017 Source: Federal Statistical Office DIAGRAM The instruments of direct democracy, such as referendums, come into play more frequently at the municipal level Turnout for referendums Sources: Federal Statistical Office, returning officers, referendums Age structure of those entitled to vote 20.7 3.6 % 15.4 % % 70 and older 60–70 years 20 % 50–60 years 18–21 years Baden-Wurttemberg (2011) 48.3 % % 21–30 years 11.8 Berlin (2014) 46.1 % % 30–40 years 13.9 Hamburg (2010) 39.3 % 14.7 Bavaria (2010) 37.7 % % 40–50 years 34 | 35 THE STATE & POLITICS PANORAMA POLITICAL BERLIN 1 Bellevue Palace Built in the late 18th century, Bellevue Palace has been the official residence of Germany’s Federal President since 1994. It is located on the edge of Berlin’s Tiergarten district. 709 MPs make up the 19th German Bundestag 31 % of MPs in the Bundestag are women 2 Federal Chancellery The new Federal Chancellery went into service in 2001. The outside of the post-Modernist building is predominantly glazed. “Berlin“, a steel sculpture by Basque artist Eduardo Chillida, is situated in the “Ehrenhof” (courtyard of honour). 61,500,000 Germans are eligible to vote in elections to the Bundestag 3,000,000 people visit the Bundestag in Berlin each year 1 2 e re r Sp 2 e Riv 1 3 7 6 3 4 5 5 6 ni sse des 17. Ju 7 Stra Berlin Bellevue Palace Federal Chancellery German Bundestag Bundesrat Jakob Kaiser Building Paul Löbe Building Marie Elisabeth Lüders Building Tiergarten Mitte district 4 3 German Bundestag The glass dome on the Reichstag building stands for transparency. The Reichstag building The German parliament sits in the modernised building dating from 1894. 14 ministers form the Cabinet 24 coalition governments since 1949 12 Federal Presidents since 1949 8 Federal Chancellors since 1949 36 | 37 THE STATE & POLITICS TOPIC VIBRANT CULTURE OF REMEMBRANCE Addressing war and tyranny, ideologically dered Jews of Europe is a memorial to the six motivated crimes and political injustice in the million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. 20th century, not to mention commemorating the victims of persecution, play an important Memorials to war, resistance role in the culture of remembrance in the and dictatorship Federal Republic of Germany. Preserving eyewitness reports by persons who actually ex- In November 2018 Germany commemorates perienced the events is the key element in a the end of the First World War a century ago; culture of remembrance destined to make cer- 2019 is the 100th anniversary of the inaug­ tain that coming generations are conscious of ural meeting of the Weimar Republic’s Na- the crimes committed by the Nazis. The nu- tional Assembly, the first German democ­ merous memorials to the various groups of racy. In the major anniversary years 2014 victims all over Germany are also part of this and 2015 too, marking the 100th anniversary of vibrant culture of remembrance. In central the beginning of the First World War and the Berlin, for example, the Memorial to the Mur- 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the overwhelming sentiment in the memor­ ial services was one of gratitude. Gratitude for the Allies’ anti-Hitler co­alition for liberating Germany in 1945, and for the opportunity to INFO “Stolpersteine” In many German and European cities, “Stolpersteine” (stumbling stones) placed in the ground remind passersby that Jewish citizens who were ­persecuted, murdered, deported, or driven away by the Nazis, once lived or worked in the buildings outside which the stones are placed. The approximately 10 by 10-centimetre ­cube-shaped concrete blocks have a brass top with an inscription in ­memory of the victim bearing his or her name and biographical data. → stolpersteine.eu re-build the country and for its reunification in 1990. There was also gratitude to those who, as surviving victims of the Holocaust, bore witness to the crimes – and reached out their hand to a democratic Germany after the Second World War. Memories of the communist dictatorship during the Soviet Occupation Zone (1945– 1949) and the days of East Germany (1949– 1990) are also being kept alive for those generations that never experienced the division of Germany and the East German system. The Federal Commissioner for the Records of the State Security Service of the Former MAP Memorials in Germany 7 10 9 5 4 39 6 8 3 4 5 Memorials to the victims of Nazism German Democratic Re