Perhaps you have passed by this building many times without realizing its significance. The Abgeordnetengebäude in Erfurt. It is more than just a building. It is a symbol of Thuringia’s past and present.
The Abgeordnetengebäude stands as a testament to Erfurt’s rich political history. The Landtag of Thuringia is the parliament of the German federal state of Thuringia. It convenes in Erfurt. The Landtag’s primary functions are to pass laws. It elects the Minister-President. The Landtag controls the government of Thuringia.
Elections are held every five years. The German Mixed-member proportional representation system is used. There is a 5% vote share threshold to receive any seats. All German citizens 18 years or older living in Thuringia can vote. If a party wins more constituency seats than its overall share of the vote the Landtag increases in size. This is because of overhang and leveling mandates.
The Landtag of the newly established Free State of Thuringia first convened in 1920 in Weimar. Deputies were elected for three years. This was according to a proportional representation system. The minimum voting age was 21. During the Weimar Republic period until 1933, six state elections occurred. In 1929, Thuringia became one of the first German federal states where the Nazi Party gained real political power.
Wilhelm Frick became Minister of the Interior for the state of Thuringia. This happened after the NSDAP won six delegates to the Landtag. In the 1932 elections, the Nazis were the strongest party. They had 26 of 61 seats. Fritz Sauckel assumed the office of Minister-President. Following the Nazi seizure of power in Berlin the Landtag was abolished. This was done in the Gleichschaltung process. It was done by the Law on the Reconstruction of the Reich of 30 January 1934.
After World War II, the State of Thuringia was re-established. It was part of the Soviet occupation zone. On 13 June 1946, the Soviet Military Administration summoned a state assembly. Ricarda Huch chaired it. The first post-war Landtag elections occurred on 20 October 1946. The constituent meeting took place on November 21. It was at the Elephant hotel in Weimar.
By the time of the Constitution of East Germany in 1949, the Landtage were largely deprived of power. The second state elections occurred on 15 October 1950. They were under the terms of the National Front unity list. In 1952, the East German government dissolved the federal states. Thuringia was divided into districts centered in Erfurt, Gera, and Suhl.
The State of Thuringia was restored during Germany’s reunification. Landtag elections were held again on 14 October 1990.
Today, the Abgeordnetengebäude is a vital part of Erfurt. It is part of Thuringia’s government. It stands as a symbol of democracy and the ongoing political process. Take a moment to appreciate the Abgeordnetengebäude. Think about the decisions made within its walls. These decisions shape the lives of the people of Thuringia. It is a place where history and the future converge.