German Leftist Party Proposes Voting Rights After Five Years of Residency

A German political party has introduced legislation granting voting rights in municipal and state elections to foreign residents who have lived in Germany for five years. The measure would apply to individuals who are not German citizens but meet the residency requirement. It would not extend to federal elections.

The proposal specifies that eligible voters must have maintained legal residence for the full five-year period. No additional language or integration requirements are included in the current draft. Party representatives stated the change aims to increase participation among long-term residents in local decision-making.

Germany currently restricts voting in most elections to citizens.

Some municipalities already allow limited participation by non-citizens in specific local ballots under existing rules. The bill has not yet been scheduled for a parliamentary vote.