CDU defeats SPD in Rhineland-Palatinate state election, AfD gains

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has won the state election in Rhineland-Palatinate, defeating the long-governing Social Democratic Party (SPD). This marks a significant political shift in a region the SPD had traditionally controlled.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) more than doubled its vote share, achieving a record result. The CDU has invited the SPD to begin exploratory talks about forming a new government.