Overview
- Delegates in Morbach elected Schnieder with 204 of 205 votes, and he said he intends to become minister-president after the March 22, 2026 vote.
- Chancellor and CDU leader Friedrich Merz attended the congress, hailed the result as “sensationell,” and signaled further campaign appearances in the state.
- The party unveiled the slogan “Weil’s jetzt gilt,” and Schnieder outlined plans for deregulation, new business sites, free master crafts training, AI-assisted video surveillance in identified fear zones, a mandatory civic year, and a care initiative.
- The CDU finalized its list with Marion Schneid in the No. 2 slot, Matthias Lammert at No. 3, and former leader Christian Baldauf at No. 7, who was confirmed with 169 yes, 19 no, and 8 abstentions.
- Police reported roughly 100 protesters outside criticizing “stagnation, fear and exclusion,” as polling shows the CDU leading the SPD on party preference while incumbent Alexander Schweitzer remains strong in head-to-head measures.