Bayernpartei – Polling data, political positions and political science insights

The Bavaria Party was founded on October 28, 1946, in Munich by Ludwig Lallinger and Jakob Fischbacher. It emerged in the post-war period as a reaction to centralization tendencies in Germany and positioned itself as a representative of Bavarian interests. Its roots go back to the Bavarian People's Party (BVP) from 1918, which in turn emerged from the Bavarian Patriots' Party of 1868. In the early years of the Federal Republic of Germany, the BP achieved considerable electoral success: In the 1949 federal election, it received 20.9% of the votes in Bavaria and entered the German Bundestag with 17 representatives. In the Bavarian State Parliament, it was represented from 1950 to 1966 and participated at times in the state government. Over time, however, the party lost influence and failed to re-enter the state parliament from the 1960s onward.

The Bavaria Party advocates for the self-determination of Bavaria, increased federalism, and the sovereignty of the Free State. Its basic program, the 'White-Blue Principles', emphasizes the importance of democracy, civil rights, and regional identity. The BP calls for stronger decentralization of political decisions and rejects excessive centralization at the federal or EU level. In the long term, it aims for the independence of Bavaria within Europe, a goal that should be legitimized through a democratic referendum. The party also emphasizes the importance of direct democracy and advocates for the simplification of popular initiatives as well as the direct election of the Bavarian Minister-President.

Recently, the Bavaria Party has updated its positions on various social and political issues. It advocates for the return to diploma and master's degree programs in education and the establishment of chairs for Bavarian history, language, and literature. In energy policy, it pleads for an independent energy supply for Bavaria to be discussed openly regarding technology. In family policy, the BP advocates for a basic parenting allowance and emphasizes the protection of unborn life, rejecting abortions. The party is also committed to the preservation of cash.

The Bavaria Party is organized into various district and local party associations that are active locally and carry out political events and campaigns. The current party chairman is Thomas Hummel, supported by several deputy chairpersons and a general secretary.