The First Year in the Bundestag Between Engagement and Overload
This study examines how newly elected members of parliament (MPs) in Germany can be more effectively supported during their transition into parliamentary work. The goal is to identify concrete starting points for structurally improving the transition into office and for strengthening political leadership in the long term. The report is based on 50 in-depth interviews with MPs and parliamentary staff from various parties, conducted between June 2025 and March 2026.
The study identifies ten key competency areas that are crucial for effective political leadership. It finds that while these competencies are assumed from the outset, they are almost never systematically developed. The report provides concrete recommendations for MPs, parliamentary groups, political foundations, civil society organizations, and the Bundestag administration.
The study was conducted by the Better Politics Foundation and funded by the Robert Bosch Stiftung. It is only available in German.
