Julia Klöckner elected President of the German Bundestag

Julia Klöckner (CDU) has been elected President of the German Bundestag. In the vote held on March 25, 2025, she received 382 votes in favor, 204 against, and 31 abstentions. With a 62 percent approval rate, her election marks the lowest support level ever recorded for a Bundestag President, compared to the 80 percent support received by her predecessor, Bärbel Bas, in 2021.

As President, Klöckner holds significant responsibilities, including presiding over plenary sessions, representing the Bundestag externally, and managing the parliamentary administration. Her role also involves chairing the Joint Committee and the Federal Convention, as well as administering oaths to federal ministers and the Chancellor.

Following her election, Klöckner has faced criticism regarding her social media presence. After posting an AI-generated image to celebrate the start of the school year, she drew backlash from creative professionals who labeled the content ‘AI trash.’ Her office defended the use of the AI image, stating it was a deliberate stylistic choice intended to protect the privacy rights of real children. The controversy has also brought attention to the resources allocated to her office, including high-salaried positions for social media management.