What role does the Landtag play in governing Thuringia?

The state of Thuringia is governed by a Landtag (parliament) and a minister-president, who is typically a leading member of the parliament’s strongest party.1

Within the German federal system, the Landtag serves as the state-level legislative body. Its powers are balanced against those of the federal Bundestag. While the federal government holds exclusive authority over specific areas such as foreign affairs and defense, the Landtag possesses significant autonomy to enact legislation tailored to the state's own needs and circumstances. In areas where the federal government sets only general guidelines, the Landtag is free to pass laws that align with Thuringia's specific requirements.2