Election Law Reform Caps Bundestag at 630 Seats, Spurs Union Push for Changes

The new law, introduced by the Ampel coalition, minimally affects CDU representation but uniquely disadvantages the CSU, fueling political tensions.

The 2023 election law reform by the Ampel coalition eliminated overhang and compensation mandates and capped the Bundestag at 630 seats.
Analysis shows the reform minimally impacted CDU representation, as 15 of its candidates lost direct mandates but entered through party lists.
The CSU, operating only in Bavaria, lost three direct mandates without compensation, highlighting its unique disadvantage under the new system.
Under the old law, the Bundestag would have grown to 633 seats based on the 2025 election results, or 705 seats if smaller parties like FDP and BSW had entered.
The CDU and CSU continue to criticize the reform as undemocratic and are pushing for revisions, a stance likely to complicate coalition talks with the SPD.