Berlin/Stuttgart, March 18, 2025 – Despite progress over the last decade, immigrant-origin members of parliament (MPs) remain underrepresented in key European countries, according to a recent study funded by the Robert Bosch Stiftung. The research, which examined the national parliaments of Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK, found that immigrant-origin politicians continue to be significantly underrepresented compared to their share of the population.
The study, known as REPCHANCE Europe, highlights substantial disparities in representation among the five countries. The Netherlands leads with the highest proportion of immigrant-origin MPs at 19%, followed by the UK at 15%, Switzerland at 14%, and Germany at 11%. In contrast, Spain lags behind with just 2%. While representation has increased in all five countries since 2012, the pace of progress has been uneven. Germany saw the most significant rise (+7 percentage points), while Spain made minimal gains. The UK and Switzerland experienced modest improvements of 4 and 2 percentage points, respectively.
Professor Dr. Andreas Wüst, coordinator of the comparative study and study director for Germany, noted, “The issue is not about achieving exact proportional representation but ensuring fair opportunities for all. Political parties need to ensure equal political opportunities for the immigrant-origin population, yet several parties still have significant deficits pertaining to candidates, representatives and office holders.”
The study also revealed that immigrant-origin MPs are more likely to affiliate with left-leaning parties, especially in Germany and Switzerland, and to a lesser extent in the UK and the Netherlands. The decision to pursue political office is often influenced by growing up in politically engaged families, but mobilization by party officials often triggers a candidacy. However, election success largely depends on factors like party list placement and the likelihood of winning constituencies.
Once in office, immigrant-origin MPs often face systemic and personal barriers, including discrimination, hate speech, and being instrumentalized for symbolic purposes, the study finds. Women, in particular, confront the compounded challenges of racism and sexism. Additionally, immigrant-origin politicians are often expected to focus on migration and integration issues, which is neither the intention of many nor of benefit for their broader political ambitions, as their expertise is confined to a limited range of topics.
To address these challenges, the researchers propose concrete policy measures. These range from an expansion of voting rights and educational initiatives on how politics and the political system works to demands on parties to guarantee equal opportunities. Dr. Ferdinand Mirbach, Senior Expert in the Immigration Society team at the Robert Bosch Stiftung, emphasized, “Increasing political representation of immigrant-origin communities is essential for a functioning democracy. Political parties, civil society, and institutions must actively create opportunities and remove barriers to ensure that a variety of voices are heard in decision-making.” In order to improve political representation, study authors call for stronger anti-discrimination measures, improved recruitment and training processes within political parties, and robust protective measures against hate speech and violence targeting minority politicians.
The Robert Bosch Stiftung, a non-profit, independent, and non-partisan organization, is active in the areas of health, education, and global issues. Through its funding, the Foundation works for a just and sustainable future. In its pursuit to contribute to society, the Foundation has allocated approximately 2.5 billion euros since its establishment in 1964. The Foundation is funded by dividends from its holding of around 94 percent of the shares in Robert Bosch GmbH, an independent company. For more information, visit https://www.bosch-stiftung.de/en.
About REPCHANCE Europe
REPCHANCE Europe examines the parliamentary representation of immigrant-origin politicians in Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK. The study spans a decade (2012–2021) and combines quantitative data with 175 personal interviews to understand political career trajectories and the factors influencing political engagement. The study was carried out by researchers at the Munich University of Applied Sciences, the University of Neuchâtel, the University of Amsterdam, and Science Po Paris. REPCHANCE Europe is funded by the Robert Bosch Stiftung, Stiftung Mercator Schweiz, and Porticus.
Access the REPCHANCE Europe study: Publications | Robert Bosch Stiftung
Join the Expert Briefing on March 27, 2025: REPCHANCE Europe – Drivers and Obstacles to Minority Representation | Robert Bosch Stiftung
Contact:
Stefanie Kaufmann Dimeski
Tel. +49 30 220025-312
presse@bosch-stiftung.de
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