On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Christians and Muslims will simultaneously begin their respective periods of fasting, a rare occurrence. Many politicians in the Bundestag are also participating in this tradition of abstinence. Hubertus Heil, SPD spokesperson for churches and religious communities, a practicing Protestant, will forgo alcohol, sweets, and excessive carbohydrates until Easter. Bodo Ramelow, Vice President of the Bundestag and also Protestant, is contemplating abstaining from campaign events and news. Lamya Kaddor, a Muslim and Green Party representative, views the coinciding start of Lent and Ramadan as a significant symbol of shared values like moderation and societal engagement, emphasizing that religious practices can build bridges in a diverse democracy.