On Thursday, 5 November 2026, the German Bundestag considered key domestic and legal policy issues at its 105th sitting The agenda included the final deliberations on the reorganisation of long-term care insurance (Care Reorganisation Act), a debate on a motion to protect the International Criminal Court, and discussions on youth crime and the 15th anniversary of the exposure of the National Socialist Underground.
The main focus was care reform. The federal government’s draft bill to reorganise long-term care insurance was debated in several stages. MPs discussed funding, entitlement to benefits, relief for people in need of care and their relatives, and transitional arrangements for providers. Parliamentary groups announced amendments; criticism focused in particular on the development of contributions and the way personal contributions would be structured. The outcomes of the debates and votes are documented in the minutes of the 105th sitting.
On international criminal law, the plenary considered a motion from the parliamentary group Bündnis 90/Die Grünen entitled “Defend international criminal law – protect the International Criminal Court from sanctions”. The debate covered Germany’s role in supporting the Court, protection from political pressure, and possible responses to threats against international investigations. Supporters stressed the importance of independent prosecution of the gravest crimes; sceptical voices raised concerns about tensions under international law and practical consequences for bilateral relations.
On the 15th anniversary of the exposure of the National Socialist Underground, Parliament remembered the victims and paid tribute to the work of civil society initiatives. Speakers emphasised the duty of state authorities to investigate, the need to carry forward institutional lessons, and the importance of consistently combating far-right violence. Later in the sitting, the plenary discussed child and youth crime and child and youth protection. Topics included prevention, restorative justice, the respective responsibilities of the Länder and local authorities, and the role of schools and youth welfare offices.
Other items on the agenda included amendments to the Driving Instructors Act, economic and industrial policy debates on the steel industry and questions concerning priority for electric vehicles in road traffic. The order of business, speeches and roll-call votes are set out in the German Bundestag’s official documents for 5 November 2026.
All statements relate to the proceedings recorded at the 105th sitting. The final decisions are set out in the minutes and the associated resolutions, which will be published after the sitting.
Editor: Phillipe Schmidt-Araguin (Article created with AI assistance).