Outgoing Rhineland‑Palatinate premier Alexander Schweitzer, of the SPD, has been assigned to head his party’s coalition negotiations with the CDU. The SPD state executive made this decision on Monday, and the negotiating team will also include party leader Sabine Bätzing‑Lichtenthäler along with her deputies, Doris Ahnen and Sven Teuber.
Schweitzer said he sees it as his duty to help form a strong government. “I have been my party’s top candidate and have held political responsibility in the state for many years” he explained. “After the disappointing election result, I do not simply turn the key and walk away. My role, even now, is to contribute to a good new government, even if it is led by the CDU rather than the SPD”.
He added that he will not take a spot in the new cabinet but will keep his seat in the Landtag. “This election defeat does not mean I will stop serving as a member of parliament” he clarified.
