On July 16, 1930, the German Reichstag rejected Chancellor Heinrich Brüning's budget. Despite this parliamentary defeat, President Paul von Hindenburg controversially invoked Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution to force the budget's passage, bypassing the Reichstag's authority.
Key Events of July 16, 1930
The day marked a significant moment in German political history, highlighting the growing tension between parliamentary democracy and presidential power during the late Weimar Republic.
The Reichstag Vote:
Chancellor Heinrich Brüning, leading a minority government, presented his budget to the Reichstag. The budget faced strong opposition and was ultimately defeated by a vote of 256 to 193. This defeat underscored Brüning's inability to secure a parliamentary majority for his economic policies, which included austerity measures amidst the Great Depression.
President Hindenburg's Intervention:
Immediately following the Reichstag's rejection, President Paul von Hindenburg intervened. He utilized Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution, an emergency decree power that allowed the President to issue ordinances with the force of law without parliamentary consent. By invoking this article, Hindenburg effectively overrode the Reichstag's decision and forced the passage of Brüning's budget.
This action was highly controversial and contributed to the gradual erosion of parliamentary democracy in Germany, paving the way for more authoritarian rule. The frequent use of Article 48 by Hindenburg in the subsequent years weakened the Reichstag's legislative power and shifted the balance of power towards the presidency.
Summary of Events
| Event | Details | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Reichstag Vote | Chancellor Heinrich Brüning's budget was defeated in the Reichstag by a vote of 256 to 193. | Demonstrated the lack of parliamentary support for Brüning's government and its fiscal policies. |
| Presidential Decree | President Paul von Hindenburg invoked Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution. This allowed him to issue an emergency decree that bypassed the Reichstag and forced the budget's passage. | Undermined the democratic process, shifted power from the parliament to the presidency, and set a precedent for governing by decree, contributing to the instability of the Weimar Republic. |
For more information on the political climate of the Weimar Republic and the use of Article 48, you can refer to historical accounts of the period.
