The former Rhineland‑Palatinates premier, Alexander Schweitzer of the SPD, will act as his party’s chief negotiator in talks with the CDU. That decision was taken by the SPD state association’s presidium on Monday. Schweitzer’s negotiating team will also include state party chair Sabine Bätzing‑Lichtenthäler and her deputies Doris Ahnen and Sven Teuber.
Schweitzer said he wants to help ensure a good government is formed. “I see this as my duty” he explained. “I have been my party’s top candidate and have held political responsibility in the state for many years. It is part of my responsibility that, after the disappointing election result, I do not simply say, ‘I will flip the key,’ but instead contribute to building a strong new government-though not led by the SPD, but by the CDU”.
Adding that he will not take a role in the new state cabinet, Schweitzer confirmed he will keep his seat in the Landtag. “This election defeat does not mean I will stop being a member now” he said.