The incumbent minority government of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and The Greens led by Minister-President Hannelore Kraft was returned with a majority and continued in office.

This defeat led Chancellor Gerhard Schröder to call a federal election, which he lost.

These seats traditionally have been held by either the CDU or SPD, with minor parties standing little chance of winning any.

There was a major swing from the CDU to the SPD and to the Pirates, who entered their fourth state parliament in a row.

The Greens stayed essentially level, while the FDP bucked the national trend, achieving a 2-point swing in their favour.

Because of that, in what was considered unceremonious and highly unusual move (ministers are normally given the courtesy of resigning by themselves even after scandals), Chancellor Merkel fired him under Article 64 of the German Basic Law three days after the election.