Expat interest in politics in Germany

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Bhavna Team

Member since 01 June 2015

BhavnaTeam05 November 2019 05:35:00

40864

Hello everyone,

As an expat, your day-to-day life in Germany is impacted by decision-making at the political level in your host country as well as in your country of origin. We would like to know how involved you think expats should be in the political day-to-day of either their host or home country?

Can expats vote during elections which take place in their country of origin? Can you do so online or through embassies/consulates in Germany?

What is the administrative process which has been set up in Germany to enable expats to vote in their country of origin?

To which extent should political life in Germany include expats and their concerns? Should they be more active as a community to make their voices heard?

Are there any precautionary measures to observe during election period in your host country? Any local prohibitions?

Do you keep up with politics in Germany?

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Bhavna

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert06 November 2019 14:12:57

15409

EU foreigners can vote in local (town council) elections in Germany, but not for the central or state governments. Other foreigners cannot vote at all.
Whether a foreigner living in Germany can participate in his/her home country elections (via distant voting or at the embassy) depends on their home country. Germany does not forbid this.
There are no restrictions during German election periods, although it is probably a good idea for foreigners to stay away from events held by xenophobic parties like the AfD.

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