"Elections in the European Parliament: Alexander Schweitzer's Journey in Mainz - Mingling and Wine-Tasting with the Prime Minister at Gutenberg Square"

Alexander Schweitzer Ahead in Rhineland-Palatinate State Election Race

In the ongoing Rhineland-Palatinate state election campaign, Alexander Schweitzer, the SPD's top candidate, has taken a lead over his main competitor, Gordon Schnieder of the CDU. According to a recent Rhine-Palatinate Trend survey by SWR's "Zur Sache RP" in early May 2025, 40 percent of respondents stated they would vote for Schweitzer in a direct election for Minister President, compared to Schnieder's 17 percent.

Schweitzer, who became Minister President in July 2024 after Malu Dreyer (SPD), has launched a dialogue series as part of the campaign. The motto of this series is "Alexander Schweitzer On Tour." He aims to visit various locations in Rhineland-Palatinate by the end of October, with stops including Koblenz, Kaiserslautern, and Daaden, in addition to Mainz.

On Monday, September 8, 2025, Schweitzer will be holding a meet-and-greet event at Gutenbergplatz in Mainz from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Mainz's SPD heavyweights Finance Minister Doris Ahnen, Interior Minister Michael Ebling, and third SPD electoral district candidate Patric Müller will also be present. Minister President Schweitzer is planning to pour wine at the event.

The kickoff event of Schweitzer's tour attracted over 300 guests. Other candidates in the Rhineland-Palatinate state election on March 22, 2026, include Rebecca Ruppert and Nina Bömelburg for The Left party; Jan Bollinger for the AfD; Katrin Eder for the Greens; Daniela Schmitt for the FDP; Joachim Streit for the Free Voters; and Andreas Hartenfels for the BSW party. The Greens have also announced several direct candidates representing various electoral districts.

Schneider is also currently touring the region, and a joint event with Schweitzer in Mainz is upcoming. This election is Schweitzer's first as Minister President, and parties are conducting meet-and-greet events as part of the campaign. However, a recent SWR survey revealed that 55 percent of Rhineland-Palatinate residents did not know Schweitzer, and only 18 percent considered him a suitable candidate.

The Rhineland-Palatinate state election campaign has commenced earlier than usual. Citizens can meet and talk with Minister President Alexander Schweitzer at Gutenbergplatz on Monday evening.

"Elections in the European Parliament: Alexander Schweitzer's Journey in Mainz - Mingling and Wine-Tasting with the Prime Minister at Gutenberg Square"