Merz's CDU Set to Overtake SPD in Rhineland-Palatinate Election

In a significant shift in German politics, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is projected to take control of Rhineland-Palatinate after Sunday’s state elections. If the results hold, this will end a 35-year rule by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in the state, marking a major turning point.

With nearly all votes counted, the CDU is leading with 30.8% of the vote, ahead of the SPD, which has 26%, according to early forecasts. If confirmed, this victory would hand the CDU the reins of the state, with Gordon Schnieder expected to become the new state premier, replacing Alexander Schweitzer of the SPD.

CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann celebrated the outcome as a significant triumph for the center-right party, pointing to continued support despite some national challenges for Merz's coalition.

• CDU set to replace SPD in Rhineland-Palatinate state elections 2026
• Merz's CDU leads in Rhineland-Palatinate, marking end of SPD's 35-year rule
• Far-right AfD gains ground in Rhineland-Palatinate election, doubling support

On the other hand, the SPD faced a harsh blow, with its vote share falling nearly 10 percentage points compared to the previous election in Rhineland-Palatinate. Tim Kluessendorf, SPD Secretary-General, called the results a "bitter setback" but promised that the party would remain in coalition and focus on reforms at both state and federal levels.

In addition to the CDU's success, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) saw a significant rise in support, nearly doubling its vote share to 20%, making it the main opposition party in the state.

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Despite this shift, Schnieder has been clear that the CDU will not cooperate with the AfD in any future coalition, saying such an alliance would harm the country. This victory in Rhineland-Palatinate, the second of five regional elections in 2026, sets the stage for more pivotal elections later this year, including in Berlin and eastern Germany.