Early results from municipal elections in Hesse indicate the CDU remains the strongest political force in the state. The SPD came in second, with several mayoral wins, while the AfD doubled its votes and surpassed the Greens in overall support.
CDU Claims Continued Strength
CDU leader and Minister President Boris Rhein emphasized that his party is “the number one municipal party in Hesse” following initial returns on election night. He noted this support was evident even in areas where the CDU has historically been less strong and observed significant public interest in the municipal elections.
According to a preliminary trend analysis, the CDU secured 29.7 percent of the vote statewide, as announced by the State Statistical Office in Wiesbaden overnight on Monday.
SPD Both Pleased and Concerned
SPD General Secretary Josefine Koebe expressed pleasure over “some won mayoral elections” but likewise voiced concern over gains made by the AfD, particularly in Northern Hesse. The SPD hopes to see increases in their overall vote share as the remaining ballots are counted, with Koebe stating that Social Democratic candidates often benefit from cumulative and preferential voting.
AfD Sees Itself on the Rise
The AfD reacted optimistically to the initial results, with state spokespersons Robert Lambrou and Andreas Lichert calling them “a very good result.” In 2021, the AfD received 6.9 percent of the vote in Hesse’s municipal elections; this year, they secured 15.9 percent in the trend analysis, becoming the third-largest party.
Lambrou and Lichert stated that more AfD representatives in municipal councils would mean “that the interests of our voters will be represented with greater emphasis,” and that the party is becoming increasingly rooted locally. “The strategy of marginalizing and attacking us is becoming less effective.”
Greens See Positive Trend
The Greens received 14.4 percent of the vote in the trend analysis, placing them fourth. Green State Co-Chair Anna Lührmann expressed satisfaction, suggesting the party may be reversing a previous trend in Hesse compared to the federal election last year.
The Greens received 12.6 percent of the vote in the state during the previous federal election, and 18.4 percent in the 2021 municipal elections.
FDP Celebrates Small Successes
The FDP offered a mixed initial assessment, receiving 3.7 percent of the vote according to the trend analysis. Despite a negative trend nationally, FDP State Chairman Thorsten Lieb said the party remained stable in its strongholds in smaller and medium-sized cities like Bruchköbel, Disappointing Homburg, Königstein, Kronberg, and Steinbach.
Lieb stated this was a good sign that the party can achieve success even in challenging times with strong local candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What party received the most votes in the Hesse municipal elections?
According to a trend analysis, the CDU received the most votes, securing 29.7 percent of the vote statewide.
How did the SPD perform in the elections?
The SPD came in second place with 20.2 percent of the vote, and expressed pleasure over winning several mayoral elections.
How much did the AfD’s support increase compared to the 2021 municipal elections?
The AfD’s support more than doubled, increasing from 6.9 percent in 2021 to 15.9 percent in the current trend analysis.
As the final vote count continues, it remains to be seen how these initial trends will translate into the final distribution of power in Hesse’s municipalities.
