Friedrich Merz’s CDU secured victory in Rhineland-Palatinate, while the AfD saw significant gains, challenging the long-standing SPD rule.
CDU Victory in Rhineland-Palatinate
The CDU won the election in Rhineland-Palatinate, marking a success after a disappointing result in Baden-Württemberg earlier in March. Gordon Schnieder, the CDU’s lead candidate, is likely to become the new state premier.
SPD Suffers Historic Low
The SPD, which has governed Rhineland-Palatinate since 1991, received 27% of the vote – its worst result in the state’s history. This follows a poor showing in Baden-Württemberg, representing a significant setback for the party.
AfD’s Rising Popularity
The AfD achieved its best-ever result in a state election on the west of the country, increasing its share of the vote from 8.3% in 2021 to a projected 20%. Despite this growth, the party remains excluded from potential governing coalitions.
Education and Economy Dominate Campaign
The campaign in Rhineland-Palatinate, with a population of over 4 million, focused primarily on economic issues and education. These elections are the second of five planned at the state level in Germany for 2026.
Concerns Over Education Quality
Rhineland-Palatinate ranks 12th out of 16 in terms of education quality. Reports highlight problematic schools, including primary schools where a quarter of students repeat a grade, attributed to underinvestment and a high proportion of students with immigrant backgrounds lacking German language skills.
Merz on the Middle East
Chancellor Friedrich Merz supports securing the Strait of Hormuz, but only after a ceasefire in the region. This remains a distant prospect despite increased U.S. bombing of Iran, which holds a significant advantage.