State Parliament
The Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Parliament is elected democratically by the citizens of the Land (state) and, according to Article 20 of the State Constitution of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, it is the "site of political decision-making". The seat of Parliament is the castle in the state capital of Schwerin. Parliament is elected for one 5-year legislative period at a time. Specific details about the functions, composition, elections and working procedures of Parliament are defined in the State Constitution and in Parliament's rules of procedure.
Parliament fulfils three essential functions: One of its duties is to elect the Prime Minister. The election is held not later than four weeks after the constituent assembly of the newly elected Parliament. Furthermore, Parliament has legislative power. It discusses and decides on laws which have been proposed by the government, by at least four members of Parliament or by a people's initiative or a petition for a referendum initiated directly by the people. The third important function of Parliament is to control the state government. For this purpose it disposes of an extensive right to interrogate and to require information.
The sixth Parliament of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern was elected on 4th September 2011 and held its constituent assembly on 4th October 2011. Parliament consists of 71 members. They are not bound to orders or instructions but are exclusively obliged to reconcile with their consciences.
More information about the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State Parliament is available under: