ministerspresident

Ministerpräsident is the title of the head of government of a German state (Land) in the Federal Republic of Germany. The form translates roughly as “minister-president” and is used in all sixteen federal states. The office is analogous to a prime minister or premier in other federal systems. The ministerpräsident is elected by the state parliament (Landtag) after general elections, typically as the leader of the largest party or governing coalition. The officeholder chairs the state cabinet, appoints and dismisses ministers, and sets the policy direction of the state in consultation with the cabinet. By convention, the ministerpräsident represents the state in dealings with the federal government and with other states, and participates in the Bundesrat, the federal body that represents the states.

Term length and accountability: There is no fixed term for the ministerpräsident; they usually serve for the duration of the Landtag’s term, commonly four to five years, and remain in office as long as they maintain the Landtag’s confidence. A loss of majority support can trigger resignation or new elections; a successor is chosen by the Landtag.

Gender forms and scope: The gendered form ministerpräsidentin is used for female officeholders. While the title is standard across Germany, there can be regional variations in usage or tradition. The office should not be confused with the head of government at the national level—the Chancellor (Bundeskanzler) serves as the federal head of government. In Austria, the equivalent position for state governments is typically called Landeshauptmann or Landeshauptfrau.