Shifting Tides in Rhineland-Palatinate Politics
CDU gains lead in Rhineland-Palatinate regional polls over incumbent SPD party. - CDU maintains lead over SPD in Rhineland-Palatinate, according to survey
The political landscape in Rhineland-Palatinate is a dynamic mix of several parties, with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) standing out as a formidable force. The AfD's sway has extended beyond its traditional strongholds in eastern Germany, making a noticeable impact in western regions, such as Rhineland-Palatinate. In the 2025 federal election, the AfD garnered a considerable 20.1% of the vote in Rhineland-Palatinate[1].
Recent polls indicate a shifting tide, with both the ruling SPD and opposition CDU experiencing losses. The CDU is now trailing slightly behind with a decrease of two percentage points, while the SPD, despite a minor one-point loss, remains the nearest competitor[2]. Interestingly, the AfD has managed to capitalize on this political volatility, showing a pleasing gain of three points, currently sitting at 17%[2].
On the other hand, the Greens, along with the currently non-represented Left party and the Free Voters, maintain their positions. The Greens hold steady at 11%, while the Left party looks poised to enter the state parliament in Mainz at 5%[2]. The Free Voters, unfortunately, may miss out on securing a seat, with their percentage remaining unchanged at 4%[2].
In a just-concluded poll, the FDP fell one point, putting them at 3% - slightly below the threshold for entering the state parliament[2]. The current governing coalition of the SPD, Greens, and FDP, under the leadership of Alexander Schweitzer, is expected to face a state election on March 22, 2026[2].
A notable aspect of the poll results is the approval rating of the state government: 47% are satisfied with its performance, while 45% are less or not satisfied at all[2]. In a hypothetical direct election for the head of government, 40% would vote for Schweitzer, with CDU top candidate Schnieder receiving 17%[2]. However, a potential CDU-led government would enjoy the support of 39% of those surveyed, contrasting with 37% favoring an SPD-led government[2].
Apprehension and concern surround the AfD, which many view as a right-wing extremist party. Accordingly, 69% brand the AfD as such, echoing the current, though temporarily stayed, classification of the party by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution[3]. Such sentiments fuel the fear that the AfD poses a threat to democracy, with 61% of respondents sharing this viewpoint[3].
However, despite these concerns, only 42% of those surveyed support a ban on the AfD, with 48% objecting to such a measure[3]. These dichotomous sentiments highlight the ongoing debate and division regarding the AfD's role in the political landscape of Rhineland-Palatinate.
- CDU
- SPD
- Poll
- Rhineland-Palatinate
- State Election
- Quarter
- AfD
- Alexander Schweitzer
- Mainz
- FDP
- Southwest Broadcasting
- Infratest dimap
- Gordon Schnieder
- FW
The Commission, amidst the political turmoil in Rhineland-Palatinate, has been requested to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation as part of policy-and-legislation, given the potential political influence of the AfD in the region. This dire need for safety regulations coincides with the general news of the AfD's surge in popularity and the uncertainty surrounding its impact on the state's democracy.
