The Saxon State Parliament Everything You Need to Know Contents

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6th Legislative Term

The Saxon State Parliament Everything you need to know Contents

Introduction ...... 3

The election and composition of the State Parliament ...... 6

The President and Vice Presidents ...... 8

The Presidium ...... 9

The parliamentary party groups and their working groups ...... 12

The permanent committees and Dear Reader, their chairpersons ...... 20

The functions of the State Parliament ...... 24 I am pleased to offer you this brochure, in which you will find everything you need to know about the Saxon State The election of the Prime Minister ...... 26 Parliament and its composition in the 6th legislative term. “All state authority is derived from the people.” This The election of Constitutional Court judges . . 27 statement from the Saxon Constitution is deliberately cited here as a motto that applies to all the subsequent Legislation ...... 28 information. It reminds us that parliamentary democracy, Representation ...... 29 and Saxony as a constitutional state, were restored 25 years ago thanks to the peaceful revolution. A parliamentary Parliamentary scrutiny ...... 30 democracy allows the greatest amount of freedom, but is also the most difficult form of government. It depends on State Commissioners ...... 32 the active involvement of its citizens. A prerequisite for this involvement is knowledge about the workings of democratic The Administration of the State Parliament . . 32 organisations and institutions. Even in the Information Visitor Services ...... 33 Age, print media still play an important role in ensuring transparency and in the shaping of opinion. Through this Events at the State Parliament ...... 34 brochure, we hope to provide you with an overview of the composition and functions of the Saxon State Parliament. The State Parliament online ...... 36 I would be pleased if this brochure were to prove bene - ficial to you at school, in your studies or in your career, and State Parliament publications ...... 37 I hope that it will improve your understanding of the Saxon State Parliament. But you should also get involved. The state “All Service | Imprint ...... 43 needs civic engagement and society requires everyone's state authority participation if we want to achieve a situation in which everyone can enjoy the fruits of liberty and prosperity. is derived from Those who really wish to bring about change must become the people.” actively involved. The members and staff of the Saxon State Parliament are Saxon Constitution, looking forward to hearing your comments, suggestions Art. 3 para. 1 and ideas.

Dr. Matthias Rößler President of the Saxon State Parliament

Introduction | 3|

The seating plan The election and composition of the State Parliament in plenary sessions

In the 6 th legislative period, the State Parliament is compo - sed of 126 members. This election result includes three overhang seats for the CDU as well as one additional CDU 59 seats balancing seat each for DIE LINKE, SPD and AfD. According DIE LINKE 27 seats to the law governing the election of the Saxon State Par - SPD 18 seats liament passed on 5 August 1993, all members are elected AfD 14 seats for a five-year term in universal, direct, free, equal, and BüNDNIS 90 / secret elections. All citizens aged 18 and over whose main Stenographers DIE GRüNEN 8 seats

residence is in Saxony are entitled to vote; any individual State Government State Government State Government State Government SDB Saxon Data Protection who is entitled to vote and who has had their main resi - Speaker Commissioner SDB dence in Saxony for at least twelve months is eligible to PRH President of the Audit Office PRH of the Free State of Saxony stand for election. Members of parliament are elected in a President Recording clerk(s) Recording clerk(s) process that combines direct election of candidates with Parliamentary Services Director the principles of proportional representation. Of the mem - bers of parliament, 60 are elected by constituencies from constituency recommendations and the remainder are one direct vote for the election of a constituency represen - elected according to state lists. Each voter has two votes, tative (direct vote) and one vote for electing the state list of a political party. 27 seats Only those parties receiving at least 5 % of valid second Distribution of seats follo - 18,9 % votes cast (‘five per cent clause’) or attaining a direct seat in wing the election of the at least two constituencies are considered when allocating 6th Saxon State Parliament 18 seats 12,4 % seats for the state lists. on 31 August 2014 59 seats DIE LINKE 39,4 % Voter turnout for the election of the 6 th Saxon State Par - SPD liament on 31 August 2014 was 49.1 %. The parties received CDU 14 seats 9,7 % the following proportions of the vote: see distribution of AfD seats (second votes/seats) on page 4. 8 seats GRÜNE 5,7 %

Did you know ... Did you know ...

that the 6th Saxon State Parliament comprises 126 members in that the average age of all members of parliament is 46 years? 5 parliamentary party groups?

| 6 | Election and Composition of the State Parliament Election and Composition of the State Parliament | 7| The President and the Vice Presidents The Presidium

The State Parliament is the only constitutional body direct - The Presidium is the State Parliament's central coordina - ly elected by the people, and as such it is the legislature ting and steering body. or “first power” in the Free State of Saxony. Its 21 members are: the President, the two Vice Presidents , The President of the State Parliament is the highest- the chairpersons of the five parliamentary party groups, and ranking representative of the State Parliament and also 13 additional members of parliament. These members are functions as its chairperson. appointed by the parties in proportion to their number of The President represents the State Parliament to the seats. outside world, whilst also protecting the dignity and rights The Presidium's duty is to assist the President in mana - of the State Parliament. Inside the State Parliament building, ging parliamentary business as well as in administering the the President exercises domestic authority and police powers. State Parliament. The State Parliament elects its President and his or her deputies, the Vice Presidents, at the beginning of each The Presidium President Dr. Matthias Rößler legislative term. • draws up the schedule and the agenda for plenary sessi - The President convenes the sessions of the State Parlia - ons . This also includes agreements on speaking time ment and leads them. In doing so, he or she is responsible for and its distribution amongst the parties. ensuring that the rules of procedure are adhered to. When • establishes preliminary estimates for the State Parlia - leading a session, the President is assisted by two recording ment's budget, clerks. The President and the officiating recording clerks • sets out procedure for appointing and removing State jointly preside over the session as the governing board. Parliament officials, and The President is the highest-ranking administrative aut - • controls the distribution of rooms in the State Parlia - hority amongst the employees of the State Parliament Ad - ment building. ministration. He or she manages the financial affairs of the 1st Vice President Andrea Dombois State Parliament in accordance with the Budget Act. The President is responsible for the State Parliament's official communications, in particular with the State Govern- ment, the Audit Office, the Constitutional Court and the Data Protection Commissioner.

2nd Vice President Did you know … Horst Wehner that the first parliament in Saxony was convened in 1438?

| 8 | President and Vice President The Presidium | 9|

CDU Parliamentary Group in the Saxon State Parliament Bernhard-von-Lindenau-Platz 1 | 01067 Dresden | Tel. +49 (0)351 493-5555 | Fax +49 (0)351 493-5440 [email protected] | www.cdu-sachsen-fraktion.de

The parliamentary party groups and their working groups U Head of the Parliamentary Parliamentary Manager D Party Group Christian Piwarz, MdL C Frank Kupfer, MdL Tel. 0351 493-5520 Members of the same party can form a parliamentary party Tel. 0351 493-5500 Fax 0351 493-5447 Fax 0351 493-5441 group within the State Parliament, provided there are at least seven members. The parliamentary party groups serve the process of political decision making in the Saxon State Parliament and have considerable influence on the work done in the State Parliament. Therefore, the course of debate in the plenum is determined to a large extent by the parliamentary party groups, for example, when a spea - ker is allowed to take the floor for a parliamentary party group as part of that group’s allotted speaking time.

Opportunities and duties of the parliamentary party groups: Parliamentary Party Spokesperson • They have the right to initiate legislation, i.e. they can Group Manager Christian Fischer Jürgen Schimang Tel. 0351 493-5610 introduce bills and motions in the State Parliament. Tel. 0351 493-5600 Fax 0351 493-5444 • They decide how they wish to respond to bills introdu - Fax 0351 493-5443 ced by the State Government or by other parliamentary party groups. • They have right to make proposals or nominations for various roles, such as: – the election of the President and Vice Presidents, – the composition of the Presidium, – the composition of the State Parliament committees, – the chairing of the State Parliament committees.

Working Group I Working Group II Working Group III The parliamentary party groups have formed working Constitution and Law Budget and Finance Schools and Sport groups which deal with various political issues. Their main Martin Modschiedler, MdL Jens Michel, MdL Lothar Bienst, MdL task is to prepare their parliamentary party groups’ initia - Tel. 0351 493-5525 Tel. 0351 493-5545 Tel. 0351 493-5558 Fax 0351 493-5440 Fax 0351 493-5440 Fax 0351 493-5440 tives and participate in consultation in the committees.

Did you know ...

that the new building of the Saxon State Parliament with its Plenary Hall was inaugurated in 1994?

Working Group IV Working Group V U Head of the Parliamentary Parliamentary Manager Business, Employment Environment and Agriculture D Party Group Sebastian Scheel, MdL C and Transport Andreas Heinz, MdL Rico Gebhardt, MdL Tel. 0351 493-5826 Frank Heidan, MdL Tel. 0351 493-5584 Tel. 0351 493-5801 Fax 0351 493-5460 Tel. 0351 493-5553 Fax 0351 493-5440 Fax 0351 493-5461 Fax 0351 493-5440 E K N I L

Working Group VI Working Group VII Spokesperson Working Group I Working Group II Domestic Affairs Social Welfare and Marcel Braumann Social Welfare, the Family, Business, Employment, Christian Hartmann, MdL Consumer Protection Tel. 0351 493-5823 Consumer Protection, Transport, Energy, Tel. 0351 493-5532 Alexander Krauß, MdL Fax 0351 496-0384 Health, Inclusion and Youth Budget and Finance Fax 0351 493-5440 Tel. 0351 493-5580 Susanne Schaper, MdL Nico Brünler, MdL Fax 0351 493-5440 Tel. 0351 493-5859 Tel. 0351 493-5822 Fax 0351 493-5460 Fax 0351 493-5460

Working Group VIII Working Group IX Working Group X Working Group III Working Group IV Working Group V Science and Higher Education, Europe Petitions Committee Science, Education, Culture, Constitution, Law, Domestic Europe, Agriculture and Culture and Media Marko Schiemann, MdL Hannelore Dietzschold, MdL Media and Sport Affairs and Local Government Environment Aline Fiedler, MdL Tel. 0351 493-5533 Tel. 0351 493-5537 Cornelia Falken, MdL Kerstin Köditz, MdL Enrico Stange, MdL Tel. 0351 493-5591 Fax 0351 493-5440 Fax 0351 493-5440 Tel. 0351 493-5816 Tel. 0351 493-5815 Tel. 0351 493-5830 Fax 0351 493-5440 Fax 0351 493-5460 Fax 0351 493-5460 Fax 0351 493-5460

Head of the Parliamentary Parliamentary Manager D Head of the Parliamentary Parliamentary Manager Parliamentary Party Party Group Dagmar Neukirch, MdL P Party Group Uwe Wurlitzer, MdL Group Manager S Dirk Panter, MdL Tel. 0351 493-5715 Dr. Frauke Petry, MdL Tel. 0351 493-4204 Thomas Strobel Tel. 0351 493-5720 Fax 0351 493-5452 Tel. 0351 493- 4200 Fax 0351 493-4209 Tel. 0351 493- 4208 Fax 0351 493-5450 Fax 0351 493- 4209 Fax 0351 493- 4219 D f A

Parliamentary Party Spokesperson Spokesperson Working Group I Working Group II Group Manager Petra Strutz Andreas Harlaß Business, Employment, Finance Democracy and Law Kai Kerkhof Tel. 0351 493-5716 Tel. 0351 493- 4223 Andre Barth, MdL Dr. Kirsten Muster, MdL Tel. 0351 493-5707 Fax 0351 493-5452 Fax 0351 493- 4221 Tel. 0351 493-4235 Tel. 0351 493-4231 Fax 0351 493-5452 Fax 0351 493-4209 Fax 0351 493-4209

Working Group I Working Group II Working Group III Working Group III Working Group IV Working Group V Education/Culture, Science/ Europe, Constitution/Law, Business/Employment, Education, Social Welfare and Environment, Agriculture and Europe, Asylum and Arts, Social Welfare/ Domestic Affairs/Local Environment/Agriculture, Culture Consumer Protection Immigration Integration/Equality Government Budget/Finance Andrea Kersten Jörg Urban, MdL Sebastian Wippel, MdL Hanka Kliese, MdL Volkmar Winkler, MdL Henning Homann, MdL Tel. 0351 493-4237 Tel. 0351 493-4212 Tel. 0351 493-4233 Tel. 0351 493-5717 Tel. 0351 493-5765 Tel. 0351 493-5710 Fax 0351 493-4209 Fax 0351 493-4209 Fax 0351 493-4209 Fax 0351 493-5452 Fax 0351 493-5452 Fax 0351 493-5452

Head of the Parliamentary Parliamentary Manager N Ü

Party Group Valentin Lippmann, MdL R Volkmar Zschocke, MdL Tel. 0351 493-4830 G Tel. 0351 493-4850 Fax 0351 493-4809 Fax 0351 493-4809

Parliamentary Party Group Spokesperson Manager Andreas Jahnel Dr. Achim Wesjohann Tel. 0351 493-4811 Tel. 0351 493-4801 Fax 0351 493-4819 Fax 0351 493-4821

Working Group I Working Group II Working Group III Environment, Agriculture, Finance, Law, Europe, Education, Social Welfare, Transport Domestic Affairs Culture, Media, Employment Wolfram Günther, MdL Franziska Schubert, MdL Dr. Claudia Maicher, MdL Tel. 0351 493-4849 Tel. 0351 493-4806 Tel. 0351 493-4810 Fax 0351 493-4809 Fax 0351 493-4809 Fax 0351 493-4809

| 18 | The Parties and Their Committees The permanent committees and their chairpersons

In order to properly manage its many duties, the State Parliament has set up nine technical committees and four additional permanent committees for the duration of the current legislative term. These conduct technical and policy- related preparations for consultation and decision making in the plenary sessions of the State Parliament. Constitution and Committee for Social Committee for Science and Petitions Law Committee The parliamentary party groups are represented in the Welfare and Consumer Higher Education, Culture Committee Klaus Bartl, committees according to their proportional strength in the Protection, Equality and Media Kerstin Lauterbach, DIE LINKE and Integration Dr. Stephan Meyer, CDU DIE LINKE parliament. However, each parliamentary party group André Wendt, AfD appoints at least one member. The proportional strength of the parliamentary party groups in the State Parliament • If special information is required for their consultations, the is likewise reflected in the number of committee chairper - committees have the opportunity to hold public hearings sons and their deputies. with experts, interest groups (associations and the like) Responsibilities and functions of the committees and other persons who are able to provide information. • As preparatory bodies in the decision-making process, • The committees may form sub-committees from amongst Budget and Finance Committee for Rules Committee the committees are responsible for recommending certain their members. These make preparations regarding a of Procedure and Klaus Tischendorf, specific subject for the superordinate committee’s sub - Immunity Matters DIE LINKE resolutions to the State Parliament. Their recommenda - Christine Ursula Clauß, CDU tions are preceded by fact-based consultation, which sequent resolution recommendation to the State Parlia - (generally) must relate only to documents (bills or other ment. motions) that have been provided to them. • Special powers are vested in the Petitions Committee, • For the purpose of comprehensive consultation, the which handles and decides upon requests and complaints committees may request the presence of any member of addressed to the State Parliament. the State Government at any time. In addition, the State Parliament may set up temporary • For their part, members of the State Government (and committees as well as commissions of enquiry for certain Committee for Business, Appraisal Committee Employment and Transport their appointees) have access to the committee sessions tasks. Hanka Kliese, SPD Jan Hippold, CDU and must be granted a hearing at any time. Finally, the State Parliament has the right – and with a motion by one-fifth of its members, the duty – to set up investigation committees. In doing so, it must precisely define the object of the investigation. Such a scrutinising body is appropriate whe n the State Parliament deems it in the public interest for a matter (particularly relating to the government) to be Election Scrutiny Committee Committee for Schools Committee on Domestic Affairs Committee for the clarified. Marko Schiemann, and Sport Europe Committee Environment CDU Patrick Schreiber, Frank Uwe Hirche, Mario Pecher, and Agriculture CDU CDU SPD Sebastian Fischer, CDU

| 20 | Permanent Committees and Their Chairpersons Permanent Committees and Their Chairpersons | 21 |

The functions of the State Parliament

The most important functions of the State Parliament are The State Parliament’s function as a public forum is also of • enacting state legislation, importance. As many different opinions as possible should be • passing the state budget, expressed here and should contribute to the political deci - • scrutinising the work of the State Government and sion-making process. The Prime Minister and the State its subordinate administration, Government are politically accountable to parliament. The • discussing current political issues, State Parliament has the right to withdraw its confidence • electing its own bodies (the President, committees), from the Prime Minister by means of a majority of its members • electing the Prime Minister, and voting for a successor (a procedure known as a constructive • electing the members of the Constitutional Court vote of no confidence). of the Free State of Saxony. The Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany defines Its role of electing the Prime Minister highlights the promi - areas of legislative authority between the federal govern - nent status of the State Parliament. The State Government ment and the states. Under this system, the State Parlia - can derive its legitimacy solely from the State Parliament. ment is responsible for enacting laws and thus politically By passing a resolution on the state budget, the State Par - determining the following areas in particular: liament establishes a framework for the state's income and • school and university law, expenditure, as well as for how they are used. • press and broadcasting law, In this way, it defines the scope for action available to • police law, the State Government and administration. • the penal system, The State Government is obliged to provide information • the right of assembly, and answers to the State Parliament. Thus, the State Par - • building regulations law, liament has the opportunity to clarify facts and exert poli - • municipal law and tical influence. This form of parliamentary power to keep • the internal organization of the state. the government in check is an indispensable element of a In addition, the State Parliament can pass regulations on parliamentary system of government. the implementation of federal laws, provided the federal government has left this authority to the state legislature.

Did you know ... Did you know ...

that the State Government can derive its democratic legitimacy solely that the plenary sessions of the Saxon State Parliament are broadcast live from the people via the State Parliament? on the internet?

| 24 | Duties of the State Parliament Duties of the State Parliament | 25 | The election of the Prime Minister The election of the Constitutional Court judges

Through a majority vote among its members, the State With a two-thirds majority of its members, the State Par - Parliament elects the new Prime Minister by secret ballot liament elects the members of the Constitutional Court. It without debate. consists of five professional judges and four other members . The Prime Minister appoints and removes the State The members are elected for a term of nine years. Ministers and State Secretaries as well as appointing his The Constitutional Court decides how to interpret the own deputies. The Prime Minister, State Ministers and Saxon Constitution in disputes relating to constitutional those State Secretaries who are nominated as members of bodies and other legal cases directed to it by the Constitution the State Government jointly constitute the State Govern - or by law. In the event of doubt regarding the compatibility ment. of state law with the Constitution, it makes a decision whe n The State Government is the highest executive authority . a motion is passed by one quarter of the members of State It is responsible for leading and governing the state. Parliament or at the request of the State Government. The Constitutional Court also decides on constitutional complaints, which can be brought by any individual who considers that his or her fundamental rights as laid down in the Saxon Constitution have been infringed by public authorities.

Did you know ... Did you know ...

that the President of the State Parliament and Prime Minister are elected by that in 2013 a prohibition on new borrowing was written the members of the Saxon State Parliament? into the Saxon Constitution?

| 26 | Election of the Prime Minister Duties of the State Parliament | 27 | Legislation Representation

Members of parliament (at least seven), the individual The President of the State Parliament is responsible for The Parliamentary people party group parliamentary party groups, the State Government or the the interests of the entire State Parliament and represents people (through a Volksantrag or “people's motion”) can it in its external relations. Creating optimum conditions for Members of State parliament Government introduce bills to parliament. official and representational events is the responsibility of ‘ The President immediately refers the bill to a committee. the Protocol Department. By complying with rules of cere - In this case, no first reading of the bill takes place. The mony, the host acknowledges the rank and importance of Bill proposer of the bill can object to this and introduce the bill guests. The Protocol Department therefore creates an in a first reading. In the first reading, a general debate only atmosphere conducive to successful political talks when ‘ takes place if this is recommended by the Presidium. Upon the President of the State Parliament welcomes the presi - conclusion of the first reading, the State Parliament gene - dents of other parliaments or foreign delegations. The President of the rally refers the bill to a committee. Protocol Department prepares not only incoming and out - State Parliament The committee then consults on the bill and may suggest going official visits but also events and scheduled ‘ ‘ amendments. In the committee’s report, it recommends appointments for the President of the State Parliament

‘ either that the State Parliament should adopt the bill with or and his deputies. The President and Vice Presidents repre - First without amendments, or that the bill should be rejected. sent the Saxon State Parliament to the outside world on ‘ reading Voting takes place in the second reading following numerous occasions. These include Parliamentary Evenings ‘ ➜ general debate and possible amendments to the bill. (in which various interest groups cultivate contacts and If the bill is adopted, then the President of the State exchange views with members of parliament), commemo - Parliament executes the enacted law after it has been rative events, anniversaries of clubs and societies, or offi - Committee countersigned by the Prime Minister and the relevant cial openings of institutions and exhibitions. Amongst the

‘ State Minister. most important events to be organised each year are the The law is then promulgated by the Prime Minister in the official ceremony marking German Unity Day on 3 October, Second reading Official Journal of the Free State of Saxony. the act of remembrance for the victims of National Socialism with vote on 27 January, as well as the awarding of the Saxon Con -

‘ stitutional Medal in May.

Execution by the President of the State Parliament ‘ Did you know ... Promulgation that on the annual Open Day on 3 October around 8,000 people take the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the State Parliament and become acquainted with the workplace of their elected representatives?

| 28 | Duties of the State Parliament Duties of the State Parliament | 29 | Parliamentary scrutiny Motions for straightforward parliamentary resolutions With these simple resolutions – outside of the legislative The State Parliament has a diverse range of instruments process – the State Parliament can influence political available for scrutinising the work of the government. decisions by demanding that the State Government take certain measures or develop planning concepts. Individual members have the following opportunities: Major interpellations Minor interpellations These address problems of significant or fundamental poli - Each member of parliament can put questions to the State tical importance. They are answered in writing by the State Government in written form. Government and can be debated in plenum or in a committee. Besides providing information to members of parliament , these also serve as a check on executive power; they must Current affairs hour set out brief and clear facts regarding the information re - A parliamentary party group can request a current affairs quested. Minor interpellations are answered in writing by debate regarding a specifically defined issue in state poli - the government or are otherwise dealt with in plenum. tics of general or current interest.

Oral questions Questioning State Ministers Each member of parliament is entitled to direct brief oral Questions are addressed to State Ministers on a specific questions to the State Government. They serve the same theme. After an introductory statement by the relevant purpose as minor interpellations; however, an oral ques - Minister, the members of parliament have the opportunity tion presented during question time requires the State to ask questions. Government to provide an immediate response. An oral question may be followed by additional questions. Establishment of investigation committees Their task is to investigate circumstances whose clarificatio n The following instruments for the scrutiny of government is in the public interest. Like a court in criminal proceedings , are reserved for motions by a parliamentary party group or investigation committees can collect evidence, especially a group of at least seven members of parliament: by questioning witnesses.

Did you know ... Did you know ... that the constituent assembly of the first Saxon State Parliament after restoration of the Free State of Saxony took place on 27 October 1990 that State Parliament elections are held every five years in Saxony? in the Dreikönigskirche church in Dresden?

| 30 | Duties of the State Parliament Duties of the State Parliament | 31 | State Commissioners Visitor Services

The Saxon Data Protection Commissioner is affiliated to the Would you like to visit the State Parliament? You can do so Registration State Parliament. His or her task is to safeguard the right to without further ado. Groups of visitors are guided around the Groups of visitors should register by phone no later data protection and to support the exercise of parliamen - parliament building by Visitor Services staff. Guided t ours than three weeks prior to tary scrutiny. are especially popular on days when plenary sessions are the desired date.

In addition, the Saxon State Parliament has instituted a taking place. Of course, even primary schools can register Registrations up to six Saxon Commissioner for Foreigners and Integration, as for a tour through the new building of the State Parliament months in advance are well as a Saxon State Commissioner for the Documents of when plenary sessions are not taking place. These tours typical for visits to plenary sessions. the State Security Service (Stasi) of the former GDR. provide information on the history and archi tecture of the building as well as the functions and working procedures Group size of the parliament. Upon request, a discussion with mem - The size of the group should not exceed The Administration of the State Parliament bers of parliament can be arranged. 50 persons (except for As part of the political education of young people, the Visi - role-play activities).

The Administration of the State Parliament is subordinate tor Services department offers role-play activities for students Contact to the President of the State Parliament. It is headed by of secondary and grammar schools from Year 9 upwards, as The Saxon State Parliament the Director at the State Parliament, who is the permanent well as for vocational school students. Here, adolescents Visitor Services representative of the President in the Administration. The can see for themselves what being a parliamentarian is like. Helga Kemper and Administration of the State Parliament is an important School classes from primary schools, general-educational Tina Hülzenbecher auxiliary institution of the parliament and is indispensable secondary schools (from Year 8) and vocational schools in Bernhard-von- to its work. Its tasks are Saxony may be granted a travel allowance after registering Lindenau-Platz 1 • to support the President in his leading and for one of the tours. We kindly request that individual visitors 01067 Dresden coordinating functions, and observe our opening hours as well as the sessions schedule. Tel. +49 (0)351 493-5131 or • to assist the various parliamentary bodies and Tel. +49 (0)351 493-5132 the members in exercising their mandate. Fax +49 (0)351 493-5478 The Administration of the State Parliament is divided into [email protected] two departments, Parliamentary Services (Department P) www.landtag.sachsen.de and Central Services (Department Z).

Did you know ... Did you know ...

that State Commissioners are not appointed by the State Government, that around 24,000 visitors each year take a tour through but rather elected by the State Parliament? the State Parliament building?

| 32 | State Parliament Administration State Parliament Administration | 33 | Events in the State Parliament The Central Europe Forum The Central Europe Forum of the Saxon State Parliament Act of Remembrance for the Victims of National Socialism was initiated by the President of the State Parliament with On 27 January the Saxon State Parliament and the Saxon the purpose of promoting cooperation in Central Europe State Government observe the Day of Remembrance for and developing a Central European view of various areas the Victims of National Socialism in a joint Act of Remem - of concern. This takes place in the Ständehaus, the former brance. Every year around 350 guests pay tribute to the seat of the state parliament, in Dresden. memory of those who were disenfranchised, persecuted, tortured and murdered. Dresden Discussion Groups As part of the series of events known as “Dresden Discus - Presentation of the Saxon Constitutional Medal sion Groups in the Ständehaus”, figures from the spheres The Saxon Constitutional Medal was instituted by the then of politics and society are invited to stimulate public dis - President of the State Parliament, Erich Iltgen, on 26 May cussion of current social and political issues. 1997, five years after the final resolution approving the Constitution of the Free State of Saxony in 1992. Since then , Youth Debate Forum Dresden it has been awarded to citizens who have rendered out - The Youth Debate Forum Dresden has taken place in early standing services to the free and democratic constitutio - November each year since 2003 in the Plenary Hall under nal order. the patronage of the President of the State Parliament.

Official ceremony marking German Unity Day Youth History Day On 3 October, the anniversary of German reunification is Young people who are interested in history meet annually marked in an official ceremony in the Saxon State Parlia - at the end of November for Youth History Day under the ment. The main event is a ceremonial address delivered by patronage of the President of the State Parliament. a significant figure in contemporary history. Exhibitions Open Day Each year, visitors to exhibitions in the Citizens' Foyer can Each year on the afternoon of German Unity Day on 3 Octobe r, find out about wide-ranging examples of social and politi - the Saxon State Parliament opens its doors to the public. cal engagement in the Free State of Saxony.

Did you know ... Did you know ... that the square in front of the State Parliament is named after that the term Free State is another word for “republic”, Bernhard von Lindenau (1779–1854), the main drafter of the first liberal constitution, thus emphasizing the democratic tradition of Saxony? which came into force on 4 September 1831?

| 34 | State Parliament Administration State Parliament Administration | 35 | www.landtag.sachsen.de

Please note: These publications are only available in German. For The State Parliament on the Internet State Parliament publications their German titles, please see the German version of this booklet. The 1,000 people who log onto www.landtag.sachsen.de each day find a modern website that presents the work of the Saxon State Parliament in a way that is clear, comprehen - sive and up-to-date. The prominently positioned schedule provides an overview of the dates of parliamentary sessi - ons and the issues being debated. Via the agenda for the respective session, it is possible for website visitors to directly access the printed papers in the parliamentary documentation. Users can also contact members of parlia - ment, parliamentary party groups, the Petitions Committee , and the Administration of the State Parliament directly by 1 2 3 4 email, as well as following live broadcasts of plenary ses - sions. 1 People's Handbook results of the 2014 election; 3 From Peaceful Revolution Saxon State Parliament, organigram of the to Parliament 6th legislative term, Administration of the State Saxony on the Road to People's Handbook, Parliament; composition of Democracy, 1991, 62 pages. NDV, Neue Darmstädter the Saxon State Government; Documentation of the fall Verlagsanstalt, 364 pages. the Members of Parliament of the GDR in Saxony from Contents: Information about Act; the Elections Act. autumn 1989 up to the first the functions, organs and Also contains: the Saxon sessions of the Saxon State procedures of the State Constitution; Rules of Parliament. Parliament; the seating plan Procedure for the State in plenary sessions; biogra - Parliament 4 Past and Present phies and photographs of the The Saxon State Parliament: members of parliament; the 2 Constitution Past and Present, 1990, composition of the Presidium, Constitution of the Free State 56 pages. Essays on the histor y parliamentary party groups of Saxony, 100 pages. Edition of parliaments in Saxony. and committees; addresses of with supplementary documen - the highest state authorities; tation

Did you know ... Did you know ... that the Saxon coat of arms can be traced back to the Lower Elbe-Lower Saxon that the parliamentary documentation from all legislative terms since 1990 can dukes from the House of Ascania who lived between the Harzvorland and Fläming in be researched online at www.landtag.sachsen.de? the 11 th century?

| 36 | State Parliament on the Internet State Parliament Publications | 37 | 5 6 **7 8 ***9 10

5 Landtagskurier 6 Aspekte sächsischer 7 Aspekte sächsischer 8 Aspekte sächsischer 9 Aspekte sächsischer 10 Aspekte sächsischer (State Parliament News) – Landtagsgeschichte Land tagsgeschichte Land tagsgeschichte Land tagsgeschichte Land tagsgeschichte Subscription (Geschichte) – (Geschichte) – (Geschichte) – (Geschichte) –Varianten der (Personen) – Free of charge, available Die Ständeversammlungen Die Spätzeit der sächsischen Formierungen und Brüche Moderne 1868 – 1952 Die Mitglieder der around 14 days after the des 17. Und frühen Stände versammlung des Zweikammerparlaments (Aspects of Saxon (kur-)sächsischen Landstände respective plenary sessions, 18. Jahrhunderts (Aspects of 1763 – 1831 (Aspects of Saxon 1833 – 1868 (Aspects of Saxon parliamentary history) (1694 – 1749) 20 pages. Saxon parliamentary history) parliamentary history) parliamentary history) 112 pages with illustrations. (Aspects of Saxon parliamen - Contents: Reports on parlia - 96 pages with illustrations. 124 pages with illustrations. 128 pages. The 86 years between tary history – individuals) mentary debates, new laws The now completed series This volume shows the role This volume explores an era Saxony's accession to the 320 pages, images, maps. and events in the State on “Aspects of Saxon parlia - of the Landtag (State Diet in which the Landtag did not North German Confederation A collation of scientific data Parliament; insights into the mentary history” contains or parliament) between the yet have party representati - in 1868 and the end of the about members of the Saxon everyday work of members of essays on the history of and Seven Years' War and the ves. However, a system of Landtag in the GDR in 1952 wer e Landtage and Ausschusstage parliament and the activities the individuals associated reign of August III up to the parliamentarianism based on among the most turbulent in (“committee parliaments”) of the Administration of the with Saxon parliaments from Constitution of 1831; it also dignitaries was a step forward Saxon parliamentary history. from 1694 to 1749. The book is State Parliament; contributi - the 17 th to the 20 th century. highlights economic and compared with the model of embellished with a high-quality ons on Saxon parliamentary These are high-quality acade - cultural developments. the assembly of estates in the map insert. history as well as the functi - mic essays. They are not really Early Modern period. ons and procedures of the suitable for schools. State Parliament.

Did you know ... Did you know ...

that here in the Free State of Saxony we can look back on a history of political that the first Prime Minister of the Free State of Saxony after the peaceful revolution participation going back more than 700 years? was Professor Dr. Kurt Biedenkopf?

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11 Aspekte sächsischer 12 Aspekte sächsischer 13 Student Diary 2015/2016 14 Leaflet on Architecture 16 Leaflet on the Land tagsgeschichte Land tagsgeschichte 216 pages. The architecture of the Saxon Petitions Committee (Personen) – Die Mitglieder (Personen) – Die Mitglieder Weekly planner for school stu - State Parliament building, The Petitions Committee der (kur-)sächsischen und Wahlbezirke der sächsi - dents with brief definitions of Dresden – harmony between and petition law, leaflet. Landstände (1763 – 1831) schen Landtage (1833 – 1952) terms, basic information about newbuild and restored historic Information about the right (Aspects of Saxon parliamen - (Aspects of Saxon parliamen - democracy in Saxony, section structures, information about to submit petitions (requests, tary history – individuals) tary history – individuals) with useful information for the building phases, about the complaints), information 272 pages, images, maps. Scientific index of the Landtag school students. Individuals Ständehaus (the former parlia - about the committee. A collation of scientific data members and their legitimation, receive up to three copies; tea - ment building) and about about members of the Saxon including brief biographies of chers may order class sets of flood protection measures. 17 Gallery Leaflet Landtage and Ausschusstage the presidents of the Landtag as up to 30 copies. The diary can The Gallery of State (“committee parliaments”) well as a detailed map volume also be obtained at the stand 15 Leaflet on Visitor Parliament Presidents, from 1763 to 1831. The book is showing the electoral consti - of the Saxon State Parliament Services brief biographies relating to embellished with a high-quality tuencies and territorial dimen - at the annual ‘Tag der Sachsen’ Information about visiting the the gallery in the Ständehaus. map insert. It also includes the sions. Only available as a set. festival; suitable for pupils of Saxon State Parliament, guided Dresden addresses of the Part I – 1833-1918 (388 pages) Year 8 and above. tours, discussions with members members of the Landtag in 1799 Part II – 1919-1952 (68 pages) of parliament, contact partners. along with their places of origin Part III – map volume (248 pa - in the Electorate of Saxony. ges) Our complete range of publications can be found at www.landtag.sachsen.de/Publikationen.

Did you know ... Did you know ...

that the Free State of Saxony covers an area of 18,415.51 km²? that approximately one quarter of the 126 members of parliament in the 6th legislative term are women?

| 40 | State Parliament Publications State Parliament Publications | 41 | Publications Publications can be ordered by phone or at the following address:

The Saxon State Parliament Events, Visitor Services and Publications Bernhard-von-Lindenau-Platz 1 | 01067 Dresden Tel. +49 (0)351 493-5133 | [email protected]

Visitor Services To register for guided tours and for viewing plenary sessions, please phone +49 (0)351 493-5131.

Citizens' Foyer Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays

Parliamentary party groups CDU Tel. +49 (0)351 493-5555 DIE LINKE Tel. +49 (0)351 493-5800 SPD Tel. +49 (0)351 493-5700 AfD Tel. +49 (0)351 493-4201 GRüNE Tel. +49 (0)351 493-4800

CHIAVERI – Restaurant in the Saxon State Parliament Opening hours: Daily from 11 am to 11 pm Tel. +49 (0)351 496-0399

This publication has been published by the Saxon State Parliament as part of its parliamentary public relations service. It is provided free of charge. Use for their own publicity by parties, parliamentary party groups, members of parliament or election candidates – especially for election campaigning purposes – is not permitted. Selling the publication for money is also prohibited.

Imprint Publisher: Saxon State Parliament | Editorial staff: Responsible under the Press Act: Hans-Peter Maier, Saxon State Parliament | Editor: Falk Hentschel | Text editing and layout: Ö GRAFIK, Dresden | Print: Saxon State Parliament | Press date: February 2016

Photo credits: S. Giersch, S. Döring, O. Killig, J. v. Oheimb, R. Deutscher, S. Füssel, P. Bonß, Tümmler, Saxon Constitutional Court, Saxon State Parlia - ment, Archives, Archives Ö GRAFIK

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