The 1957 West German election produced the only absolute parliamentary majority won by a single party group in a free German election.
Key Facts
- Election date
- 15 September 1957
- CDU/CSU seats won
- 270 seats
- Parties winning seats
- 4 parties
- Bundestag elected
- Third Bundestag
- First Saarland participation
- Yes — Saar rejoined West Germany in 1956
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following West Germany's post-war recovery and political consolidation under Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, the CDU/CSU entered the 1957 election as the dominant force. The gradual reduction of smaller parties from ten in 1949 to fewer competitive blocs reflected a maturing party system favoring established groupings.
On 15 September 1957, West Germans voted to elect the third Bundestag. The CDU/CSU alliance secured 270 seats, achieving an absolute parliamentary majority — the first and only such majority by a single German parliamentary group in a free election. The Saarland participated for the first time, having returned from French protectorate status in 1956.
With an absolute majority, the CDU/CSU formed a government without coalition partners for the first time, granting Adenauer's administration a strong mandate. The election also marked a decisive consolidation of West Germany's party landscape, with only four parties securing representation, down from ten in 1949.
Political Outcome
CDU/CSU won 270 seats, securing an absolute majority and forming a single-party government without coalition partners.
CDU/CSU-led coalition government sharing power with smaller partners
CDU/CSU majority government governing alone without coalition partners