Hamburg's Fresh Red-Green Administration Takes the Reins
Newly Inaugurated Hamburg Senate Commences Work - Elected Hamburg Senate commences duties, assuming administrative control.
Ready, set, govern! After nearly three months of waiting, Hamburg's new red-green state administration, helmed by Mayor Peter Tschentscher, settles in. The parliament gave Tschentscher the green light as the head honcho, and the ministers followed suit en masse. Tschentscher's been steering Hamburg with the red-green coalition since 2018.
Hamburg
Sneaky Opposition?
Peter Tschentscher
With 71 yes votes, parliament president Carola Veit announced the results of the confidential ballot. Sixty-seven members voted in favor of Tschentscher, 49 voted against, and one abstained. That means opposition votes weren't a rarity - at least one had to side with Tschentscher to secure the majority.
SPD
Secret Ballots for Ministers Too
Mayor Election
When it came to the ministerial nominees, including Second Mayor Katharina Fegebank (Greens), 68 members voted for Tschentscher's proposal, but 49 opposed. One member abstained. This leaves room for a couple of coalition members who could have strayed during the vote.
Senate
Positions Galore
Hamburg Citizens' Election
The SPD controls seven ministerial posts, while the Greens snagged four. In the newly-formed senate, the ladies are calling the shots: seven out of twelve roles fell to the fairer sex.
Citizens' Election
Same Faces, New Places?
Katharina Fegebank
Most of the incumbent ministers are staying put. Melanie Leonhard keeps the Economics portfolio, while Karen Pein, Melanie Schlotzhauer, Ksenija Bekeris, Andreas Dressel, Andy Grote, and Carsten Brosda also remain in their positions. Anna Gallina and Anjes Tjarks from the Greens are holding on to their seats.
Blumenthal
Only a few changes are in store. Maryam Blumenthal, a former Green chairwoman, is joining the senate, taking charge of the previously science authority led by Fegebank. Fegebank herself is shifting to the environment authority and intends to prioritize climate policy there.
State Government
Reorg Time
Carola Veit
Some authorities will undergo reorganization. Finance takes charge of the districts again, while the labor market area is shifting from the social to the economic authority, and the responsibility for children, youth, and family falls under the school authority. The social authority, on the other hand, assumes responsibility for seniors and is now called the Authority for Health, Social Affairs, and Integration.
Youth
New Faces and Keepers
Integration
The new government team welcomes four new state secretaries: Stefanie von Berg will tackle the environment, climate, and agriculture in the environmental authority starting June. Katharina von Fintel and Michaela Peponis are the new state secretaries in the school authority, taking charge of school and vocational training, and family and youth, respectively. Lastly, Funda Güç is in charge of social affairs and integration in the social authority. Twelve state secretaries from the old senate continue their duties.
Olaf Scholz
SPD's Victory, Green's Setback
CDU
In the Hamburg Citizens' Election on March 2, both parties faced losses. Nevertheless, the SPD remained the frontrunner, while the Greens landed third behind a stronger CDU. The SPD and Greens have been partners in the Hanseatic city since 2015, with Tschentscher leading the charge after Olaf Scholz (SPD).
Women
Surprise Party, Collaborative Spirits
Despite the CDU hoping for a piece of the governance pie, opposition leader Dennis Thering (CDU) offered his congratulations to Tschentscher. "For the betterment of Hamburg's residents, it's crucial we work together decisively to improve our city every day." His statement emphasized the need for swift, clear decisions concerning Hamburg's future and investments toward a prosperous tomorrow. Thering believes "more should be done" than what's outlined in the red-green coalition agreement.
Praise from All Corners
Apart from the SPD, Greens, the Chamber of Crafts, the Protestant Church, and Hesse's Minister President Boris Rhein (CDU) extended congratulations. Rhein described Tschentscher as a pragmatic and prudent man. "Our cooperative relationship in the Minister Presidents' Conference and the Bundesrat was always characterized by mutual respect and a constructive atmosphere," said Rhein.
Insights:
- Green Spaces and Sustainable Housing: The new government is likely to prioritize initiatives for improving the environment and housing conditions. Green spaces and addressing housing shortages may be a major focus for the government, due to the broader red-green coalition's emphasis on environmental protection and urban renewal.
- Climate Action: The green movement is known for emphasizing climate action, so the new administration may have plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy sources, and foster a greener city.
- Sustainable Economic Growth: The government may aim to support local businesses, innovation, and sustainable economic growth in the region, similar to past red-green coalitions.
- Olympics Bid: Hamburg might consider bidding for hosting the Olympics, a potentially significant economic and infrastructure development project for the city.
- Social Welfare and Public Services: With the SPD's focus on social welfare, the government might prioritize improving public services, education, and social support systems.
- Transportation Infrastructure: Enhancing transportation infrastructure is essential for urban governments, including expanding public transport systems and cycling infrastructure.
- The new red-green administration in Hamburg, led by Mayor Peter Tschentscher, confirmed their positions through a series of confidential ballots in the parliament.
- The HR links for policy documents, including community policy, employment policy, and environmental policy, can be found on their official website under the policy-and-legislation section.
- The ministers from both the SPD and Greens were confirmed through the same voting process, strengthening the red-green coalition's hold on the Hanseatic city's governance.
- In the newly-formed senate, seven out of twelve roles were occupied by women, indicating a push towards representation and gender equality in the community's politics.
