On 24 April 2025, the Henry Kissinger Professorship for Security and Strategy Research at CASSIS at the University of Bonn hosted a panel discussion. Under the title ‘Neustart: The Next Federal Government Facing Major Challenges’, Ekin Deligöz, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, and Prof. Dr. Frank Decker, Professor of Political Systems at the University of Bonn, discussed current political developments and future challenges. Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schlie, Henry Kissinger Professor and Director of CASSIS, acted as moderator.
Prof. Decker began by offering a well-founded analysis of the political situation following the Bundestag elections and the expected inauguration of Friedrich Merz as Federal Chancellor. He shed light on the key decisions for the coming legislative period and placed them in the context of social and party-political developments.
Ms Deligöz then reported on the work of the past legislative period from the perspective of government practice. She reflected on the initial spirit of optimism associated with the coalition agreement as well as the challenges posed by multiple crises - including the coronavirus pandemic, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and financial bottlenecks that made many projects more difficult.
A central topic of the discussion was the question of how resilient German society is to populist and extremist movements. Can democratic institutions continue to facilitate viable compromises? Other key topics included demographic change, the climate crisis and Germany's role in international alliances. The importance of a stable and functioning parliament was also discussed. Ms Deligöz pointed out the changed mood in the Bundestag - particularly due to the influence of the AfD - as well as the upcoming structural changes as a result of the new elections.
In the concluding outlook, it became clear that political progress is primarily driven by pragmatic solutions and social commitment. Ms Deligöz emphasised that democracy thrives on the participation of citizens - an appeal that is particularly relevant in times of upheaval.
The event offered a multifaceted forum for exchange and reflection - supported by the interplay of political experience and scientific perspective. It is part of HKP's commitment of critically monitoring current political developments and bringing them into the dialogue between academia, politics and the public.
