Germany discusses a lot – and often makes slow progress on major projects. The lawyer and author Ferdinand von Schirach has outlined an unusual proposal for this: a targeted reform of our Basic Law, intended to make government action more long-term, clearer, and at the same time more boldly controlled.
The proposal in 90 seconds
- One-time chancellorship: The Federal Chancellor is elected for seven years – with no possibility of re-election.
- Joint state parliament election day at halftime: All 16 state parliament elections take place on the same day, after three and a half years – in effect, a nationwide interim review.
- Three “chancellor laws” with constitutional check: The chancellor may enact a maximum of three laws within these seven years without a parliamentary majority. Before coming into force, the Federal Constitutional Court comprehensively reviews these laws.
- Parliamentary right of revocation: After three years, the Bundestag can repeal any of these laws.
- Everything else remains parliamentary: Apart from these three exceptions, the normal legislative process with Bundestag, Bundesrat, committees, hearings continues as usual.
The major advantages
1)
Long-term instead of permanent election campaigning
A seven-year, non-renewable term decouples political action from short-term headlines and poll swings. Those who are not fighting for re-election can bear costs today to secure benefits tomorrow: pension reform, planning acceleration, digitalization of administration, energy and industrial policy – the things that are holding us back today.
2)
Clear responsibility – no shifting of blame
A single, long mandate creates clear accountability. Success or failure can be attributed more easily; horse-trading between coalition partners loses its pull. The political culture would benefit: “Say what you intend; do what you say; be measured by it.”
3)
An end to the permanent election mode
If all state parliaments vote on the same day – once at halftime – the constant shock to federal politics and the Bundesrat from almost monthly election campaigns in individual states disappears. This reduces tactical blockades, increases planning reliability for the federal and state governments, and relieves the administration, which today always has to consider election and coalition logic.
4)
Targeted determination through three “joker laws”
The three extraordinary chancellor laws are not a free pass, but a focus mechanism: Because there are only three, a government must set priorities with brutal clarity – for the really big issues that would otherwise be crushed in the mediation committee. Examples: a stringent pension package, a genuine immigration and skilled labor law, a thorough planning and approval reform.
5)
Rule-of-law quality leap
Before any of these three laws take effect, the Federal Constitutional Court examines them ex ante. This increases legal clarity and protection of fundamental rights, reduces later judicial reviews, and ensures better-crafted laws. Fewer amendments, fewer patchworks – more reliability for citizens, companies, and authorities.
6)
Strong checks & balances – with a time window
The Bundestag’s right of revocation after three years is a safety net: If a chancellor law proves to be a mistake, it can be corrected democratically and transparently. At the same time, the reform gets enough time to take effect – neither hasty reversals nor cemented wrong decisions.
7)
Planning security for business and municipalities
Seven years without election zigzag and a synchronized state calendar mean reliable investment and funding paths. Companies can initiate larger transformation steps; states and municipalities align personnel, IT, and construction projects with stable federal guidelines.
8)
Better federal-state coordination
The joint halftime election day acts as a pacemaker: Beforehand, cooperation is reviewed; afterwards, binding roadmaps are set until the end of the term. This strengthens federalism in substance – fewer symbolic battles, more implementation coalitions.
9)
More courage – less mistrust
The combination of a one-time term, constitutional review, and parliamentary right of revocation creates a bold but well-secured freedom of action. Politics can make unpopular but necessary decisions without fear of being punished in the next quarter – and without the risk of undermining the separation of powers.
10)
Transparent priorities for the public
“Three jokers” force every chancellorship to clearly state what it is using its exceptional powers for. This makes it easier for citizens to understand and evaluate governments – in the middle of the term (at the state elections) and at the end.
What would remain – and why that is important
- Parliamentary democracy remains the standard: The vast majority of politics continues to be made in the Bundestag and Bundesrat, with debates, committees, hearings.
- Strong judicial oversight is expanded, not weakened.
- Federalism is coordinated, not steamrolled by centralism.
In short: It is not a presidential system through the back door, but a precise intervention that recalibrates decision-making ability and control.
Conclusion: A reform proposal that resets our political rhythm
Schirach’s idea is radically pragmatic: It links more speed on the big issues to more responsibility and better control. A one-time chancellorship removes the pressure of short-term rewards; the joint halftime election day ensures a fair interim review; the three chancellor laws with constitutional check provide a single, clear fast track for structural reforms – with the parliament’s right of revocation.
Whether or not you agree with every detail: The proposal forces us to ask the right question – how we in Germany can once again implement major projects with great quality. Seven years of courage could be a good start.