Hamburg Parliament
The Hamburg Parliament (Bürgerschaft der Freien und Hansestadt Hamburg) is the unicameral legislature of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, one of the 16 federal states (Länder) of Germany. Here is detailed information about this institution:
History
- Formation: The Hamburg Parliament traces its origins back to the medieval period. However, its modern form was established in 1946 when Hamburg adopted its current constitution.
- Post-War Reorganization: After World War II, the British Military Government helped reorganize the political system in Hamburg, leading to the establishment of the current parliament.
Structure and Function
- Number of Seats: The Parliament has 121 members, elected for a four-year term.
- Electoral System: The members are elected through a mixed system of proportional representation and direct election. There are 71 direct mandates and 50 list seats.
- Role: The Parliament is responsible for legislation, passing the state budget, electing the First Mayor of Hamburg, and overseeing the work of the government.
Powers and Responsibilities
- Legislation: Proposing, debating, and passing laws that are within the competence of the state.
- Executive Oversight: The Parliament can scrutinize the actions of the Hamburg Senate, which is the executive body.
- Budget: Approval of the state's budget is a crucial function, ensuring financial accountability.
Notable Features
- Location: The Hamburg Parliament convenes in the Hamburg Rathaus, an iconic building with a neo-Renaissance style architecture.
- Public Participation: There are mechanisms in place for public petitions and participation in legislative processes.
Recent Developments
- 2020 Election: The last election was held on February 23, 2020, where the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) emerged as the largest party but lost its absolute majority.
- Coalition Government: Following the election, a coalition was formed between SPD and the Alliance 90/The Greens.
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