Bundestag records decline in petitions in 2023
Most cases in the past year concerned the sphere of the Labor and Social Ministry (1516 petitions). One thousand five hundred six petitions went to the competence of the Federal Interior Ministry. One thousand one hundred ninety-five petitions concerned the Federal Health Ministry. The number of petitions here noticeably decreased: there were 898 fewer applications last year compared to the previous one.
Citizens can address themselves to the Petitions Committee. German citizenship is not a prerequisite. The committee examines applications, for example, regarding legislation, and then recommends whether the Federal Government should take further action in the matter.
A third of the applicants used the web portal for electronic submission of petitions. This allows for the electronic signing and discussion of published petitions with others. Otherwise, petitions can still be submitted by mail.
The committee met publicly six times last year. Ten applications were discussed in these meetings, which had collected more than 50,000 signatures within four weeks. These included, among other things, LNG terminals along the coast of Rügen, simplifications for balcony solar installations, financing for further training for psychotherapists and psychotherapists, and the Federal Voluntary Service.
Apart from fundamental issues, citizens can also address the committee with personal problems related to authorities. According to the figures, their processing accounted for approximately 67 percent of the total applications last year.
- The Petitions Committee, found within the Bundestag, examined over a thousand petitions that were addressed to the Federal Ministry of the Interior in 2023.
- The BMG (Federal Ministry of the Interior) annual report indicated a decrease in petitions, with 898 fewer applications compared to the previous year.
- The Petitions Committee is responsible for reviewing and recommending action on petitions related to various subjects, such as the Coronavirus pandemic and input regarding the Annual report.
- In the Federal Ministry of the Interior's jurisdiction, petitions on issues like the 2023 Annual report and the Decrease in petitions were key topics of discussion.
- In addition to addressing general topics, citizens can also bring personal problems related to authorities, such as those handled by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, to the attention of the Petitions Committee.
