The German Federal Constitutional Court is set to rule on the controversial electoral reform proposed by the Ampel coalition (SPD, Greens, FDP) on July 30, 2024. This reform aims to reduce the number of Bundestag seats from over 700 to 630 by eliminating overhang and compensatory mandates, which has raised concerns among opposition parties, particularly the CSU and the Left Party.

Critics argue that the reform could undermine democratic principles by disproportionately affecting smaller parties, as it abolishes the so-called basic mandate clause that allowed parties to enter the Bundestag even if they fell below the 5% threshold, provided they won three direct mandates.

Legal experts predict that the court may partially reject the reform, particularly the removal of the basic mandate clause, which could significantly impact the upcoming 2025 elections.

The outcome of this ruling is crucial, as it will determine the electoral landscape and the representation of smaller parties in Germany's parliament.