1991 Rhineland-Palatinate state election

The 1991 Rhineland-Palatinate state election in Germany was held on 21 April 1991 to elect the members of the Landtag of Rhineland-Palatinate. The incumbent coalition government of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Free Democratic Party (FDP) led by Minister-President Carl-Ludwig Wagner was defeated, losing its majority. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) moved into first place, forming a coalition with the FDP. SPD leader Rudolf Scharping was subsequently elected as Minister-President.

This election marked several changes in the state history:

First, a change in the state election system. Previous elections were held purely proportionally, however, from that election on, the elections were held more in line with the federal mixed-member proportional representation, with both direct constituencies and proportional representation.

Secondly, from 1991 on, the Landtag became elected for five years instead of the previous four.

Thirdly, the election marked a shift in the state's political alignment: for 44 years (1947-1991) the state had been governed by CDU, with CDU coming first in every election. After this election, CDU would not come first nor partake in any state governments again before 2026.

Parties The table below lists parties represented in the previous Landtag of Rhineland-Palatinate. Name Ideology Leader(s) 1987 result Votes (%) Seats CDU Christian Democratic Union of Germany Christian democracy Carl-Ludwig Wagner 45.1% SPD Social Democratic Party of Germany Social democracy Rudolf Scharping 38.8% FDP Free Democratic Party Classical liberalism 7.3% Grüne Alliance 90/The Greens Green politics 5.9%

Election result Source:

References

1991 Rhineland-Palatinate state election

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