In Germany, A Ministerial Conference Is Changing The Voting Rules Due To The Possible Participation Of The “AdG”

• 1.10.2026, 10:18

From now on, joint decisions can be made even in the face of resistance from individual states.

The Conference of Interior Ministers of Germany’s federal states is changing the voting rules: from now on, joint decisions can be made even in the face of opposition from individual states.

This was reported by Die Welt.

The reason for abandoning the unanimity principle is concern over the possible appointment of a minister from the far-right "Alternative for Germany" party in Saxony-Anhalt, who could block certain initiatives.

Going forward, a majority of 13 out of 16 state votes will suffice for decisions at the conference of interior ministers.

Until now, an unwritten principle of unanimity had applied at meetings of state ministers. A decision was made only when no state actively objected, although abstentions were permitted. This rule was not based on formal regulations but on a practice that had developed over decades. This principle is intended to encourage the parties to meet each other halfway on contentious issues and find compromises.

It is also possible to record a reservation in the form of a statement in the minutes rather than officially voting “against”—this serves as a kind of safeguard that, in practice, facilitates the achievement of unanimity.

The Standing Conference of Ministers and Senators for the Interior of the States was founded in 1954 to coordinate cooperation among the states at the political level. The Federal Minister of the Interior participates in the meetings as a permanent guest without the right to vote. The conference usually meets twice a year—in the spring and fall. In addition, special meetings may be held, and decisions may also be made in writing.