Just over six weeks after the state election in Rhineland-Palatinate, the CDU and SPD have reached an agreement to form a coalition government in the state. Both parties confirmed the coalition today.
This agreement suggests that the planned election of Gordon Schnieder (CDU) as the new Minister-President is likely to proceed, with May 18th currently designated as the date for the ceremony. The coalition’s formation marks the end of a 35-year period during which the SPD had continuously led the state government in Rhineland-Palatinate.
While details regarding the future government program are expected to be announced this afternoon during a press conference, little information was previously known following the coalition negotiations. Both parties will need to formally confirm the results of these negotiations. The SPD plans a state party convention for Saturday, and the CDU also intends to have a “state party committee” make its decision that same day.
The CDU (39 seats) and the SPD (32 seats) together command a clear majority-two-thirds-of the 105 seats in the state parliament, giving them the power to change the state constitution at any time. One key legislative proposal that has already generated controversy is the intention to raise the threshold required to convene investigative committees. This measure is apparently aimed at limiting the power of the AfD, which holds the largest opposition bloc with 24 seats. Otherwise, the Green Party remains the sole minor opposition force in the Rhineland-Palatinate parliament, with 10 seats.
