Overview

• The new election law eliminates overhang and compensation mandates, capping the Bundestag at 630 seats to prevent excessive growth.
• Analyses reveal that 15 CDU candidates lost direct mandates but entered the Bundestag through party lists, offsetting the losses.
• The CSU, operating only in Bavaria, was uniquely affected, losing three direct mandates without the possibility of compensation via list mandates.
• Under the old election law, the Bundestag would have had 633 seats based on the 2025 election results, slightly above the new cap.
• The Union's push to revise the law could complicate coalition negotiations with the SPD, as they continue to argue for changes despite limited overall impact.