Landtag

Landtag is a German term for a legislative assembly, literally meaning “land assembly.” Historically, landtage or landstände referred to estates assemblies in the Holy Roman Empire and other German-speaking realms. In modern usage, the term designates the parliament of a German state, the state legislatures in Austria, and the unicameral parliament of Liechtenstein.

In Germany, a Landtag is the parliament of each of the 16 federal states. Members are elected in state elections, typically for four to five years, by a form of proportional representation that may include direct mandates. The Landtag enacts state laws, approves the state budget, and oversees the state government. It elects the Ministerpräsident (state premier) and the cabinet, who form the Landesregierung and administer state policy within areas devolved from the federal level, such as education and policing. Debates, inquiries, and committees are common features of its work.

In Austria, the nine states each have a Landtag. These legislatures enact laws within state competence and elect the governor (Landeshauptmann or Landeshauptfrau), who heads the state government with the cabinet. The Landtag also approves the state budget and represents regional interests, contributing to federal affairs and administration.

Liechtenstein’s Landtag is the unicameral parliament of the principality, with 25 members elected for fixed terms. It passes laws, approves the budget, and elects the head of government (Regierungschef) who leads the cabinet; the Prince has a constitutional role within the political framework.

Overall, Landtag denotes the principal legislative bodies at the subnational level in German-speaking regions.