Rhein sees CDU as top party after municipal elections - Hesse's local elections reveal CDU losses in cities but rural resilience
Local elections took place across Hesse on Sunday, with voters choosing new district councils, city and town councils, and local advisory boards. Early trends indicate a higher turnout compared to the 2021 elections, when just over half of eligible voters participated.
In 2021, the CDU led with 28.5% of the vote, followed by the SPD at 24.0%, the Greens at 18.4%, the AfD at 6.9%, the FDP at 6.7%, and the Left Party at 4.0%. This time, however, preliminary results show the CDU losing ground in major cities. Support dropped in Frankfurt (from 28% to 22%), Wiesbaden (from 32% to 25%), and Kassel (from 26% to 20%). In contrast, the party held steady in rural strongholds like the Odenwald (dipping slightly from 45% to 43%) and the Hintertaunus (from 48% to 46%).
Boris Rhein, Hesse's state premier and CDU leader, campaigned extensively and noted strong public engagement with local issues. He described the election as fairly contested and expressed confidence that the CDU would remain the dominant party in Hesse's local politics. Turnout in 2021 stood at 50.4%. This year's early figures suggest a rise, though final numbers are still being confirmed.
The CDU's losses in urban areas contrast with its resilience in rural regions. Final results will determine whether the party retains its overall lead in Hesse's local government. The shift in voter preferences will shape political priorities for the coming years.
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