Overview
- Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder proposed merging or abolishing smaller Länder to cut the total number of German states.
- He argues that small states are no longer viable and that larger units are more successful.
- Analysts frame the push as domestic political signaling linked to Bavaria’s grievances over fiscal equalization payments.
- Observers say Germany is likely to retain 16 states for decades due to legal barriers and strong regional identities, citing cases like Bremen, Saarland and Hamburg.
- No merger processes or binding referenda have been launched, with coverage focusing instead on possible administrative streamlining within Bavaria.