Roughly six weeks after the state election in Rhineland-Palatinate, the CDU and the SPD have reached a coalition agreement for the state. CDU State Leader Gordon Schnieder, who will become the new Minister-President, presented the joint program alongside the current officeholder, Alexander Schweitzer (SPD).
The accord details several key reforms in education. Improvements are planned for early childhood education, including rethinking the transition from kindergartens to schools through measures like standardized language tests, mandatory language support during the kindergarten age, and a more focused preparatory year. Furthermore, primary school teachers will see their pay increased to A13, there is a commitment to tackling school violence definitively, and mandatory internships will be introduced at both the secondary and upper secondary levels.
On the front of internal security, the coalition commits to increasing police personnel to approximately 10,000 officers, including additional recruitments, alongside a higher police allowance and the legal use of AI-supported video surveillance.
Migration policy will focus on curbing irregular migration, ensuring consistent deportations, limiting distribution only to individuals with realistic staying prospects, and mandating integration and language courses.
Infrastructure improvements, such as repairing roads and bridges, are slated for priority funding. In the long term, the fee for road construction is expected to be abolished. The volunteer sector will be strengthened through bonuses, support for obtaining driving licenses, and financial relief for local clubs.
Environment and agriculture are set to be merged into a single ministry. Financially, the goal is a stable, investment-oriented budget, supported by measures against tax evasion, the establishment of a dedicated digital budget, and comprehensive administrative modernization.
Local communities (municipalities) are expected to receive increased funds starting in 2027, supplemented by reforms to funding programs and a fair resolution regarding old debts. In housing, promotion will focus on social housing and intergenerational living, including consumer protection ordinances for tenants.
In the labor market, the CDU and SPD plan to implement a modern state labor law and support national reforms. Other initiatives include a new child protection strategy, the expansion of the “Community Sister Plus” service, stimulating the economy through settlement incentives, improving conditions for apprentices, enacting a citizens’ energy act, and advancing climate protection goals.
The health and science sectors are slated for strengthening regional clinics, increasing medical school spots, introducing a midwife bonus, and promoting a high-tech agenda. Complementing the educational policy, further developments include enhanced language support, reforms to placement laws, strengthening the ‘Realschule Plus’ track, and investments in school buildings and vocational training institutions.
It should be noted that the findings of the coalition negotiations must still be formally ratified by both parties. The SPD plans a state party conference for Saturday, while the CDU intends to have a “State Party Committee” vote on the agreement that same day.
