The incumbent Christian Democratic Union (CDU) government led by Minister-President Dieter Althaus was defeated.

The CDU subsequently formed a grand coalition with the Social Democratic Party (SPD).

Althaus resigned after the election due to his party's poor performance, which was far below expectations.

Minister-President and CDU leader Dieter Althaus resigned in the wake of the election, stating he took responsibility for his party's losses.

[2] However, observers noted that his resignation also helped clear the way for a grand coalition between the CDU and SPD, which was preferred by both parties, and would be easier to manage under new leadership.