After the CDU became the strongest party in the Rhineland-Palatinate state election according to early polls, the party’s secretary‑general Carsten Linnemann appeared relieved but urged patience. He told ARD that “we must be cautious” yet the numbers were moving in a clear direction. Linnemann credited local issues and the “incredibly authentic” front‑runner Gordon Schnieder for the success, saying it was a “great achievement as long as it continues”. After 35 years, the party was back in government.
SPD secretary‑general Tim Klüssendorf spoke in markedly more pessimistic terms. He told ARD that the results were a “sharp setback” and noted that Minister‑President Alexander Schweitzer had run a “successful campaign, even with strong approval ratings” across the state. Consequently, the party felt it had a clear responsibility in Berlin. Klüssendorf added that the outcome would be discussed in the party executive committee.
Meanwhile, Green Party leader Franziska Brantner expressed satisfaction, even though her party will almost certainly leave the state government. She called the results a “good outcome in a challenging situation” pointing to the showdown between the CDU and SPD. Brantner said the Greens had “stood firm” and would “enter opposition strongly”.
