Around half a million people who came to Germany as migrants, were naturalized and now voted as Germans for the first time took part in the federal election on 23 February. Migration policy was one of the major topics. Five members of the tuenews INTERNATIONAL editorial team talk about their experiences of the election and the campaign.
“My opinion is important”
Lobna Alhindi from Syria: German citizen since 2022
“It was a wonderful experience. For the first time, I felt responsible for my new home country. I felt respected and valued, and that my opinion is important. I felt like I belonged.”
“I feel part of society”
Sameer Ibrahim from Iraq: German citizen since 2024
When I was considering the validity of my temporary residence permit, I had no motivation or interest in following political or other news in Germany. But after I received German citizenship and had the opportunity to vote in the last elections, I started to inform myself about the political programs of the different parties. I wanted to know which candidates best represented me and how the parties’ policies affected my personal situation and my future in Germany.
I started watching German channels and taking an interest in the topics being discussed. At that moment, I felt part of this society and a sense of belonging and responsibility towards it developed in me.
“Wanting to be part of the democratic process”
Oula Mahfouz from Syria: German citizen since 2021
The election was an important experience for us, because unfortunately most of the discussions during the election campaign were mainly about migrants and refugees in Germany – as if that was the only problem. That’s why we also wanted to be part of the democratic process, because we are part of this society.
Before the election, there was a discussion and a conversation in the family. Some of my nephews and nieces had just turned 18 and were allowed to vote for the first time. We talked about the parties’ election platforms and thought about which party we could vote for. I was surprised at how interested they were in the discussion and political issues at that age and expressed their opinions. I was very pleased that they had developed such a strong awareness.
“My voice has an impact”
Mostafa Elyasian from Iran: German citizen since 2024
February 23, 2025 was an important and unforgettable day for me. For the first time as a German citizen, I was able to vote in the Bundestag elections. Last year, after eight years of hard work and commitment, I received German citizenship, and today I was proud and full of joy to cast my vote for the first time. For me, this experience was not only an opportunity to influence the political future of my new home country, but also a symbol of a big change in my life.
For two weeks, I had been enthusiastically and eagerly following the election programs of the various parties through the media and in conversations with German and Iranian friends. It was especially important for me to vote for a party that has strong and practical plans to improve the economic situation of my country in the future. Although choosing the right party was difficult, I felt that my vote would have a big impact on shaping a better future for my country.
As an Iranian migrant in Germany, it is very valuable for me that I have acquired German citizenship and can now participate in important political decisions together with other citizens of my country. Unlike in some other countries, my voice is not exploited for political purposes here, but actually has meaning and influence. This made me feel like I was truly a part of my new society and actively contributing to positive change.
This experience reminded me that the eight years of hard work and effort in this country were not in vain. They have taken my life in a new direction. Germany gave me the opportunity to find a place in society through my own efforts, and today I feel that these opportunities have brought valuable and tangible benefits.
My advice to anyone who has not yet received German citizenship is to remain hopeful and not give up. In my country, no positive attempt or effort goes unanswered. This country offers many opportunities for those who strive for change with positive intent and commitment. For this reason, I am hopeful and optimistic today not only for myself, but also for all those who walk this path.
“No party has completely convinced me”
Reem Al Sagheer from Syria: German citizen since 2020
I was allowed to vote four years ago, but back then I didn’t know how important it was for Germany and democracy. As no party convinced me one hundred percent, I decided not to vote back then. But I didn’t realize then that not voting would indirectly influence the election result. I only found this out last year and since then I’ve known how important it is to vote. That’s why I voted last year and this year too, even though no party completely convinced me. I voted for the party I feel most connected to.
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