The Saarland 1999–2004

Abstract

The Saarland was chosen as a case study for three reasons. First, like Hesse, it experienced a change of government in 1999, from an SPD-led to a CDU-led administration. However, two features distinguish it sharply from Hesse: it is one of the smallest Lander, and it had significant economic difficulties, even though it is in the west of Germany. It was a net recipient of transfers from the fiscal redistribution mechanism (Länderfinanzausgleich), receiving 294 million DM in 1999 (Statistisches Bundesamt). As hypothesised in the introduction, the Land’s economic situation might be expected to affect the extent to which policy change could be effected, and also the nature of that change. Like Hesse, prior to 1999 the SPD had been in power for an extended period (although it had not enjoyed the hegemony it did in Hesse throughout the post-war period). As a result, civil service appointments would have reflected the preferences of successive SPD-led governments, which might hinder policy change.