Democratic, efficient and transparent?

from Christian Ignorek and/or Oliver Kannenberg

DOI: 10.36206/BP2026.02

The most important facts in brief:

As part of the ReParl study (Researching MPs’ Views on Parliamentary Representation), 71 members of the German Bundestages were surveyed on the democratic quality, transparency and efficiency of decision-making processes within their parliamentary groups.

(1) In all three categories surveyed, Members of Parliament expressed a positive view of the decision-making process within their parliamentary groups. The procedures are regarded as particularly democratic and, with some minor reservations, as efficient and transparent.

(2) Whilst there are hardly any discernible differences when distinguishing between leadership responsibilities, government or opposition status, and ideological positioning, it is striking that experienced Members of Parliament (those who have served four or more terms) express a slightly more critical view of the decision-making process.

(3) When asked about options for reform, many Members of Parliament, across party lines, cite significant „time pressure“ as an obstacle to more democratic, transparent or efficient procedures.