Die brandenburgische Landtagswahl vom 19. September 2004: Reaktionen der Wähler auf Hartz IV

In: Zeitschrift für Parlamentsfragen: ZParl, Band 36, Heft 1, S. 64-80

Abstract

The election campaign in Brandenburg was dominated by a federal law, called 'Hartz IV, a reform of the labour market passed in July 2004. It provoked mass demonstrations and became the central issue of party competition. The PDS fought against this law in an aggressive and populist way and tried to distinguish itself as the party of social conscience. While the CDU had difficulties to react adequately, the SPD decided to counteract the PDS campaign by using an offensive and highly personalized strategy: Brandenburg's Prime Minister Matthias Platzeck faced up to the protest of the citizens and presented himself as an advocate of the special interests of East Germans. In the end, this strategy was rewarded by the voters: The SPD suffered heavy losses but remained the strongest party coming in ahead of the PDS, while the CDU had to be content with taking third place. Again, the Greens and the FDP failed to take the five-percent-hurdle. In contrast, the right-wing extremist DVU succeeded in remaining in the Landtag. Before the election campaign, the SPD had been open for a coalition both with the CDU and the PDS. However, during the campaign rising conflicts with the PDS made them lean more and more toward the CDU. Hence, the continuation of the SPD-CDU-coalition was settled soon after the election. (Zeitschrift für Parlamentsfragen / FUB)