2011 Hamburg state election
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| 2011 Hamburg state election | |
|---|---|
| Election name | 2011 Hamburg state election |
| Country | Hamburg |
| Type | parliamentary |
| Previous election | 2008 Hamburg state election |
| Previous year | 2008 |
| Next election | 2015 Hamburg state election |
| Next year | 2015 |
| Seats for election | All 121 seats in the Hamburg Parliament |
| Majority seats | 61 |
| Election date | 20 February 2011 |
| Turnout | 57.8% (5.5 pp) |
| Leader1 | Christoph Ahlhaus |
| Party1 | CDU |
| Leaders seat1 | 1 (state list) |
| Last election1 | 56 seats, 42.6% |
| Seats1 | 28 |
| Seat change1 | 28 |
| Popular vote1 | 314,352 |
| Percentage1 | 21.9% |
| Swing | 20.7 pp |
| Leader2 | Olaf Scholz |
| Party2 | SPD |
| Leaders seat2 | 1 (state list) |
| Last election2 | 45 seats, 34.1% |
| Seats2 | 62 |
| Seat change2 | 17 |
| Popular vote2 | 710,355 |
| Percentage2 | 48.4% |
| Swing | 14.3 pp |
| Leader3 | Katharina Fegebank |
| Party3 | Greens |
| Leaders seat3 | 1 (state list) |
| Last election3 | 12 seats, 9.6% |
| Seats3 | 14 |
| Popular vote3 | 216,886 |
| Percentage3 | 14.8% |
| Swing | 5.2 pp |
| Image4 | 150px |
| Leader4 | Dora Heyenn |
| Party4 | The Left |
| Leaders seat4 | 1 (state list) |
| Last election4 | 8 seats, 6.4% |
| Popular vote4 | 110,339 |
| Percentage4 | 7.5% |
| Swing | 1.1 pp |
| Image5 | 150px |
| Leader5 | Jenspeter Vogel |
| Party5 | FDP |
| Leaders seat5 | 1 (state list) |
| Last election5 | 0 seats, 4.8% |
| Popular vote5 | 132,099 |
| Percentage5 | 9.0% |
| Swing | 4.2 pp |
| Title | First Mayor |
| Before election | Christoph Ahlhaus |
| Before party | CDU |
| After election | Olaf Scholz |
| After party | SPD |
2011 Hamburg state election was held on 20 February 2011 to elect the 20th Hamburg Parliament. The election was triggered by the collapse of the First Scholz cabinet, a coalition between the SPD and Greens. The result was a dramatic victory for the SPD, led by Olaf Scholz, which achieved an absolute majority, while the ruling CDU under Christoph Ahlhaus suffered a historic defeat.
Background
The election was necessitated by the breakdown of the Hamburg Parliament's governing coalition in late 2010. This coalition, known as the First Scholz cabinet, had been formed after the 2008 Hamburg state election resulted in a stalemate. Following the 2009 German federal election, tensions over national policies and local issues, including disputes over the HafenCity development and education reforms, led the Greens to withdraw their support. This forced the dissolution of the Bürgerschaft and set the stage for a snap poll. The political climate was also influenced by broader dissatisfaction with the Second Merkel cabinet in Berlin.
Parties and candidates
The major parties contesting were the incumbent CDU, led by First Mayor Christoph Ahlhaus, and the opposition SPD, led by former First Mayor Olaf Scholz. Other significant contenders included The Greens under lead candidate Katharina Fegebank, The Left led by Dora Heyenn, and the FDP with top candidate Jenspeter Vogel. Smaller lists like the Pirate Party Germany and the National Democratic Party of Germany also participated but were not expected to clear the five percent electoral threshold.
Campaign
The CDU campaign, led by Christoph Ahlhaus, focused on continuity and economic management but was hampered by internal strife following the departure of popular former mayor Ole von Beust. The SPD, under the disciplined leadership of Olaf Scholz, ran a highly effective campaign centered on social justice, affordable housing, and criticism of the CDU's education policies. Key issues included the future of Hamburg Airport, the expansion of the University of Hamburg, and the controversial Elbphilharmonie construction project. The Greens emphasized environmental policies and transparency, while the FDP advocated for tax cuts and business-friendly reforms.
Opinion polling
In the months leading to the election, opinion polls conducted by institutes like Forsa and Infratest dimap showed a consistent and massive swing away from the CDU. Surveys from late 2010 indicated the SPD with a commanding lead, often above 45%, while support for the CDU plummeted to the low 20s. The Greens polled strongly, frequently above 15%, positioning them as a potential coalition partner. The FDP hovered near the 5% threshold, and The Left remained stable around 6-7%. These trends accurately foreshadowed the seismic shift in the final result.
Results
The SPD achieved a landslide victory, winning 48.4% of the vote and 62 seats in the Hamburg Parliament, granting it an absolute majority. The CDU collapsed to 21.9%, losing 28 seats and recording its worst-ever result in Hamburg. The Greens solidified their position as the third force with 14.8% and 14 seats. The FDP re-entered parliament with 9.0% and 9 seats, while The Left secured 7.5% and 8 seats. Voter turnout was 57.8%, a significant decrease from the previous election. The results ended 10 years of government led by the CDU in the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.
Aftermath
On 7 March 2011, the Hamburg Parliament elected Olaf Scholz and the Second Scholz cabinet was sworn in. The absolute majority allowed the SPD to govern alone, a rarity in German state politics. The defeat led to the immediate resignation of Christoph Ahlhaus as CDU leader in Hamburg, with Marcus Weinberg taking over the parliamentary group. The election was seen as a major boost for Olaf Scholz's national profile within Germany|national profile and a severe setback for Chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU/CSU union in the run-up to other important state elections. The political landscape in Hamburg was fundamentally reshaped for the subsequent legislative period.
Category:Elections in Hamburg Category:2011 elections in Germany Category:2011 in Hamburg