North Rhine-Westphalia premier Hendrik Wüst took over the presidency of Germany’s Bundesrat on 1 November, placing the country’s most populous state at the head of the chamber that represents state governments at federal level. Wüst was unanimously elected on 16 October, succeeding Bremen mayor Andreas Bovenschulte.
The Bundesrat consists of 69 members representing Germany’s 16 Länder and participates in federal lawmaking. Its presidency rotates between the states every year on 1 November, so the role is temporary rather than a change in the balance of government.
The president convenes and chairs plenary sessions and represents the chamber at official engagements in Germany and abroad. Under Article 57 of the Basic Law, the office-holder also deputises for the federal president when that office cannot be exercised.
Wüst has said he wants to narrow differences between state governments and Berlin and strengthen the ability of Germany’s federal system to reach workable decisions. His year in the role will give North Rhine-Westphalia a prominent representative position in intergovernmental relations.
Photo: Mark König / Unsplash
