Following the state election in Rhineland-Palatinate, coalition talks between the CDU and SPD have reached a successful agreement, leaving the CDU’s Gordon Schnieder set to become the new Minister-President. He presented the agreed-upon program, which was also attended by the current incumbent, Alexander Schweitzer of the SPD.
In education, the coalition aims to strengthen early childhood education and restructure the transition from daycare (Kita) to school. Key reforms include mandatory language development in the Kita age group, utilizing specialized language testing, and establishing a more focused preparatory school year. Furthermore, primary school teachers will see an increase in pay to A13, while efforts will be made to combat school violence decisively, introducing required practical placements during middle and upper secondary school years.
On the issue of internal security, the plan includes increasing the police force to roughly 10,000 personnel through new hires, alongside a higher police allowance and legally secure deployment of AI-supported video surveillance.
Migration policy will focus on limiting irregular migration, ensuring consistent deportations, distributing people only if there is a realistic prospect of remaining, and making integration and language courses mandatory.
For infrastructure, repairs of roads and bridges will be prioritized, with the long-term goal of eliminating road development contributions. The voluntary sector intends to be bolstered through bonuses, support for obtaining driving licenses, and relief measures for local associations.
Economically, the plan suggests merging agriculture and environmental matters into a single ministry. Financially, they aim for a stable, investment-oriented budget, complemented by measures against tax evasion, the establishment of a digital budget, and comprehensive administrative modernization.
Local communities (Kommunen) are expected to receive increased funding starting in 2027, coupled with reforms in subsidy programs and a fair settlement of outstanding historical debts. Regarding housing, the focus will be on promoting social and generationally appropriate living conditions, including a tenancy protection ordinance.
In the labor market, the CDU and SPD plan for a modern state labor loyalty law and advocate for reforms at the federal level. Additional initiatives include a new child protection strategy, expanding the “Gemeindeschwester Plus” network, stimulating the economy through location incentives, improving conditions for apprentices, enforcing a citizen energy law, and making progress on climate protection.
Healthcare and science sectors will benefit from the strengthening of regional clinics, increasing medical school spots, introducing a bonus for midwives, and advancing a high-tech agenda. Furthermore, educational policy will be developed through enhanced language support, reforms to student admission laws, and increased investment in vocational and school construction.
The agreement, however, has not been formally finalized, as both parties must confirm the coalition terms. The SPD has scheduled a state party congress for Saturday, and the CDU also intends to have its “state party committee” make a decision that day.