- The recently appointed CDU head expresses contentment with the authentic outcome.
Upon assuming the role as the new CDU chairman in Rhineland-Palatinate, Gordon Schneider will instigate swift changes in the state election campaign. Although he appreciates the backing of numerous delegates, he refuses to promise a specific percentage. He is content with an honest outcome, he stated to the German Press Agency in Mainz.
During the party conference on September 21, which is 18 months prior to the state election, Schneider marks the beginning of the campaign. If elected at Frankenthal's meeting, he will straightaway establish a new team, focusing on the spring 2026 state election.
Schneider revealed that they would evaluate candidates for the new state executive committee hailing from the district associations. Essential roles, such as a newly appointed general secretary for the Christian Democrats, will need to be filled as well. Schneider plans to make this personnel announcement shortly before the party conference. Consultations with district chairmen are ongoing.
Baldauf to step down from the executive board
Christian Baldauf, the present chairman, is expected to no longer be part of the new executive committee, according to Schneider. However, Baldauf has suggested acting as a thought leader and advisor for the party in the future. Moreover, their collaboration in the state parliament faction will continue. Schneider acknowledged his gratitude towards Baldauf, who recommended him for the position. "There have been no more points of contention between us lately," Schneider stated.
Baldauf seized the CDU chairmanship from Julia Klöckner in 2022 with an 83.6% vote, including abstentions. The CDU has approximately 34,000 members in Rhineland-Palatinate and has been in opposition in the state since 1991.
210 nights of travel
Since assuming the position of general secretary more than two years ago, Schneider has spent approximately 210 nights traveling across the state. For him, direct contact with individuals is crucial. Some evenings saw ten attendees, while other events counted more than 80 and 100 people.
In his capacity as general secretary, Schneider has worked intensely to instill vigor within the party members after the last defeat. "They are our grassroots influencers and an essential link between the people," he explained. His objective as party chairman will then be making a public presence in Rhineland-Palatinate. "But I don't believe that this means attending every social gathering and being the life of the party," Schneider emphasized. People should recognize: "There is someone they can rely on, who is dependable, and who possesses visions."
Momentum from local and European elections
The impending party leader anticipates receiving momentum from the local and European elections for the state election campaign. "We managed to surpass 30% there," Schneider highlighted. "We've managed to steady ourselves, and this isn't the end of the story." He is optimistic regarding the federal election as well. The momentum from the previous two elections and the current unity within the party are vital for the 2026 state election.
After securing the CDU chairmanship in Rhineland-Palatinate, Gordon Schneider expressed his gratitude to Christian Baldauf, who had previously held the position. Baldauf suggested continuing his role as a thought leader and advisor for the party, and their collaboration in the state parliament faction would continue.
During his tenure as CDU chairman, Schneider has traveled extensively across the state, aiming to foster direct contact with party members. This grassroots engagement has been a key component of his strategy to reinvigorate the party after its last defeat.
