Third Woidke cabinet

The previous cabinet was a coalition government of the SPD and The Left led by Minister-President Dietmar Woidke of the SPD.

The election took place on 1 September 2019, and resulted in significant losses for both governing parties. The opposition CDU also suffered losses, while the AfD became the second largest party and the BVB/FW narrowly passed the 5% threshold.

Overall, the incumbent coalition lost its majority. Two new coalitions were considered: a red-red-green coalition of the SPD, Left, and Greens, and a Kenya coalition of the SPD, CDU, and Greens. Of these, the former was considered more likely as it would represent a less radical departure from the outgoing government. Likewise, the Left and Greens shared a greater policy overlap with the SPD compared to the CDU. On the other hand, the Kenya coalition would have a safer majority of 50 seats compared to 45 for the red-red-green coalition, which held only a one-seat majority.[1]

On 19 September, Minister-President Woidke announced that the SPD would seek coalition negotiations with the CDU and Greens.[2] Discussions began on 23 September, and the three parties presented their coalition agreement on 24 October.[3][4] It was subsequently approved by the SPD party congress with 113 votes in favour, no votes against and one abstention on 15 November.[5] The CDU carried out an advisory survey of party members, who voted 85.7% in support. The agreement was subsequently approved by the party congress on 16 November.[6] The Greens held a membership ballot to review the pact, the results of which were announced on 18 November; with a turnout of 59%, it received 90.8% approval.[7]

Woidke was elected as Minister-President by the Landtag on 20 November, winning 47 votes out of 87 cast.[8]

• "Overview of the State Government of Brandenburg – 7th Legislative Period". State Government of Brandenburg (in German). Retrieved 11 March 2022.