The election campaign ahead of the March elections for the Rhineland-Palatinate state parliament is gaining momentum. During traditional rallies on Ash Wednesday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz supported CDU candidate Gordon Schnieder in Trier, announcing a change after 34 years of SPD rule. Meanwhile, incumbent Prime Minister Alexander Schweitzer from Mainz appealed for social unity, trying to fend off opposition attacks and maintain support in the face of uncertain polls.

Chancellor's Support for CDU

Friedrich Merz officially endorsed Gordon Schnieder in Trier, hoping to end 34 years of Social Democratic rule in the region.

Prime Minister's Appeal for Unity

Alexander Schweitzer warned against social polarization and divisions between urban and rural areas during a rally in Mainz.

Stabilization in Japan

Sanae Takaichi was re-elected as Prime Minister of Japan by the lower house following her electoral victory on February 8.

Traditional meetings on Ash Wednesday became an arena for ruthless political struggle in Rhineland-Palatinate. Just over a month before the Landtag elections scheduled for March 22, 2026, the main parties deployed their top figures. Friedrich Merz, holding the office of Chancellor, appeared in Trier to support Gordon Schnieder. Merz emphasized that after more than three decades, it is time for the CDU to take power, while expressing optimism about future cooperation with Schnieder at the state and federal levels. Meanwhile, in Mainz, Prime Minister Alexander Schweitzer of the SPD focused on rhetoric of national unity. He warned against deepening divisions between urban and rural areas, stressing that the region's strength lies in cohesion. Schweitzer received unexpected support from Volker Wissing, the former transport minister, who praised his government for stability and development in the biotechnology sector. However, the situation is complicated by opposition pressure; Gordon Schnieder called on the prime minister to draw a "dark red line" and clearly distance himself from a potential coalition with The Left, warning against political experiments. Rhineland-Palatinate has been a bastion of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) since 1991. Over the years, the region has been governed by influential politicians such as Rudolf Scharping, Kurt Beck, and Malu Dreyer, making the upcoming elections a historic opportunity for the Christian Democrats to break the long-standing dominance of the left. At the same time, news from the Far East reported political stabilization in Japan. Sanae Takaichi was officially confirmed by the lower house of parliament as Prime Minister. This follows her success in the snap elections of February 8. The 64-year-old leader, the first woman to hold this position in the country's history, continues her mission to strengthen Japan's position on the international stage, contrasting with the dynamic personnel changes currently observed in Western Europe. „After 34 years, there is a real chance for a state government led by the CDU.” — Friedrich Merz34 years — the length of uninterrupted SPD rule in Rhineland-Palatinate

Mentioned People

  • Alexander Schweitzer — Prime Minister of Rhineland-Palatinate for the SPD, seeking re-election.
  • Friedrich Merz — Chancellor of Germany and leader of the CDU, supporting the regional election campaign.
  • Gordon Schnieder — Main CDU candidate for Prime Minister of Rhineland-Palatinate.
  • Sanae Takaichi — Prime Minister of Japan, the first woman to hold this position, confirmed after winning elections.
  • Volker Wissing — Former transport minister who endorsed Schweitzer's government.