Pirate Party win seats in German election

Information freedom fighters, the German Pirate Party, have for the first time won a spot in Berlin’s state parliament. 

Image credit: German Pirate Party.

The Pirate Party took nine percent of the state vote according to polling, more than the five percent it needed to gain a seat. 

The victory proved the party was a real viable alternative in Germany, according to Sebastian Nerz, chairman of the nation’s Pirate Party.

“It gives us credibility and provides the chance to prove that pirates are not only idealists but also able to actually make a difference and change the policy in Germany permanently,” he said [Google Translate]. 

The German Pirate Party victory followed the the original Swedish Pirate Party’s win in 2009 European Parliament election, netting it two seats there off the back of a seven percent vote from Sweden.   

The Pirate Party in Germany had campaigned for copyright reform, free wireless internet and greater privacy, according to Deutsche Welle. 

It has also fought against Europe's data retention laws and surveillence.

Updated to correct the spelling of Sebastian Nerz's name. The party has also confirmed it won 15 seats.