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CDU's Merz Faces Tight Race in Crucial Election

3/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Friedrich Merz (CDU) leads party facing a tight Rhineland-Palatinate election on March 20, 2026, after losing to Greens in Baden-Wuerttemberg.
Gordon Schnieder (CDU) leads Alexander Schweitzer (SPD) in polls as Schweitzer seeks to rebound from Baden-Wuerttemberg.
The SPD, governing for 35 years, faces a crucial test.
A loss could worsen its crisis after the 2024 national coalition collapse.

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Story summary

Friedrich Merz (CDU) leads party facing a tight Rhineland-Palatinate election on March 20, 2026, after losing to Greens in Baden-Wuerttemberg.
Gordon Schnieder (CDU) leads Alexander Schweitzer (SPD) in polls as Schweitzer seeks to rebound from Baden-Wuerttemberg.
The SPD, governing for 35 years, faces a crucial test.
A loss could worsen its crisis after the 2024 national coalition collapse.