The Parliamentary Groups

Political players

The parliamentary groups of the CDU, Bündnis '90/Die Grünen, SPD and the FDP/DVP are all represented in the State Parliament of Baden-Württemberg for the legislative period from 2011 to 2016. A parliamentary group is an organisational structure formed by MPs from the same political party. The political positions represented by a party's MPs are mediated and focused in the Debating Chamber and in the committees by the parliamentary groups. A large share of the political initiatives started in Parliament originates with the parliamentary groups, which are supported – according to their size – by a staff of specialists provided by the parliamentary advice and support service.

The parliamentary groups have the right to propose or nominate individuals to various positions, such as the State Parliament committees, committee chairs, or the President and the Vice-Presidents. The parliamentary groups are able to introduce draft laws and other motions signed on their behalf by the chairperson of the group.

The parliamentary groups form working parties which focus on particular policy areas or issues. The main task of the working parties is to prepare the initiatives submitted by the parliamentary groups and to guide them successfully through the committees.

Chairs of the parliamentary groups

Peter Hauk CDU	Edith Sitzmann GRÜNE	Claus Schmiedel SPD	Dr. Hans-Ulrich Rülke FDP/DVP