Dreyer's decade-long coalition defies odds ahead of 2026 Rhineland-Palatinate vote
Rhineland-Palatinate's first traffic-light coalition has reached a decade in power. Led by SPD Minister-President Malu Dreyer, the alliance with the FDP and Greens began in 2016. Dreyer has now reflected on its achievements and challenges ahead of the 2026 state elections.
Dreyer described the coalition's reputation as a 'boring state administration' as a positive sign. She argued that stability and predictability matter more than drama in government. The long-standing partnership, now in its second term, has lasted far longer than the earlier SPD-FDP-Green coalition from 2021, which served roughly five years.
She remains firm on red lines, ruling out any cooperation with the AfD. 'There's nothing to be done with them,' she stated bluntly. Similarly, she doubts the Left Party will even enter the state parliament, making collaboration impossible.
Despite the FDP's current struggles, Dreyer expressed confidence in their survival. She also acknowledged that recent polls show the coalition lacks a full majority. Yet she believes the SPD can narrow the gap with the CDU, as it has done in past elections.
On her own future, Dreyer was clear: she will either stay as minister-president or leave politics entirely. There is no middle ground. She also praised Chancellor Scholz's foreign policy and hopes his economic policies will follow suit.
The coalition faces an uncertain poll position but remains united under Dreyer's leadership. With elections approaching, the SPD aims to regain ground against the CDU. Meanwhile, the minister-president's stance on the AfD and Left Party leaves no room for alternative alliances.
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