The Cabinet Wulff II was the state government of the German federal state of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen) that served from 4 May 2008 until 30 June 2010. It was the second minister‑presidential cabinet formed under Christian Wulff, a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), following the 2008 Lower Saxony state election.
Key characteristics
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Head of government | Christian Wulff (Minister‑President, CDU) |
| Coalition partners | Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Free Democratic Party (FDP) |
| Legislative basis | Formed after the 2008 state election, in which the CDU secured 42.3 % of the vote and the FDP 7.0 %. The coalition held a majority in the 152‑member Landtag of Lower Saxony. |
| Term of office | 4 May 2008 – 30 June 2010 |
| Termination | The cabinet resigned when Christian Wulff was elected President of the Federal Republic of Germany on 30 June 2010. He was succeeded by his deputy, Philipp Ramos, who formed the subsequent Cabinet Ramos I. |
| Major ministries (selected) | • Minister of Finance – Ernst Fritz (CDU) • Minister of Interior – Heinz Görlinger (CDU) • Minister of Education and Science – Hans–Jürgen Thies (FDP) • Minister of Economic Affairs – Jörg Sondermann (CDU) |
| Policy focus | The cabinet pursued policies emphasizing fiscal consolidation, economic competitiveness, and education reform, consistent with CDU‑FDP platform priorities at the state level. |
Historical context
Christian Wulff first became Minister‑President in 2003, leading the Cabinet Wulff I (2003–2008). After being re‑elected in the 2008 state election, he formed the second cabinet, continuing a CDU‑dominant governance model in Lower Saxony. The cabinet’s tenure ended prematurely when Wulff resigned to assume the federal presidency, a role he held from 2010 to 2012.
Legacy
Cabinet Wulff II is noted for maintaining the CDU’s dominance in Lower Saxony during the late 2000s and for its role in the political trajectory of Christian Wulff, who transitioned from state to federal office. The coalition’s policies on budget discipline and education were continued by subsequent state governments.