Greens Grant Party Executive More Power: Membership Votes for Extensive Statute Change

Members of Germany's Green Party have overwhelmingly approved a comprehensive reform of the party's internal statutes through a direct ballot. Out of 17 proposed changes, all were accepted by the membership, with 15 passing by a two-thirds majority and two by a simple majority. This decision grants the party leadership more power and aims to make internal decision-making processes more efficient.

The reforms, however, were not without controversy. While the party leadership presented the changes as a way to streamline lengthy party congresses, internal critics voiced concerns that the reforms could undermine the party's fundamental democratic principles and concentrate too much power in the hands of party officials. These critics argued that such significant decisions should be made at federal party conventions rather than through a member referendum.

The referendum saw a turnout of just over one-third of the party's approximately 184,000 members. Despite the moderate participation rate, the approved changes are legally binding. Key among the alterations is the replacement of the current Political Director with a General Secretary. The composition of the federal executive board remains largely the same, but the number of board members who can simultaneously hold seats as elected representatives in parliament will increase from two to three, constituting half of the six-member board.

Further changes include stricter requirements for nominating candidates for board positions, which will now need the endorsement of three district member assemblies or a state executive board, or support from 10 percent of delegates at a federal party conference. Transparency obligations regarding paid and unpaid activities have also been tightened. Additionally, the role of the party council is being redefined, with its members to be chosen by the Federal Council, effectively making the "small party congress" the body responsible for electing party officials, ensuring representation from federal, state, and local levels, as well as the EU.