FDP Challenges Rejection of Petition to Reduce Baden-Württemberg Parliament Size

The party disputes the Interior Ministry's claim of unconstitutionality in its proposal to cut election districts and prevent a growing legislature.

The FDP has initiated legal action against the Interior Ministry's refusal to approve its petition to reduce the size of the Baden-Württemberg state parliament.
The proposed petition seeks to cut the number of electoral districts from 70 to 38, aiming to minimize overhang and compensatory mandates that increase the number of parliament members.
The Interior Ministry argues the proposal is unconstitutional, claiming it would overly prioritize proportional representation over direct candidate elections, violating the state constitution's balance requirement.
The FDP contends the rejection is politically motivated, suggesting the government fears public support for the initiative to curb the so-called 'XXL-Landtag.'
A decision from the state constitutional court is not expected this year, making it unlikely that any changes would affect the 2026 state elections.