The state election in Rhineland-Palatinate, which took place on the same day as the election in Baden-Württemberg, was safe to gain nationwide attention . It was perceived as a first test of the political mood for the federal election in the fall and, in addition, the first election held under Covid-19 pandemic conditions . Not surprisingly, the proportion of absentee voters increased significantly and reached a new nationwide high . The social democrats emerged as the strongest political force for the seventh time in a row with a share of 35 .7 percent of the vote . As in 2016, Minister President Malu Dreyer in particular guaranteed the SPD’s success . Despite slight losses, the SPD was well ahead of the CDU, which, with its top candidate Christian Baldauf, fell to a new historic low in Rhineland-Palatinate with a result of 27 .7 percent . The AfD did not benefit from the SPD and CDU losses and dropped to fourth place with 8 .3 percent . The election winners were the Greens, who achieved their second-best state election result of 9 .3 percent, and the Free Voters, who for the first time entered the Rhineland-Palatinate parliament and won 5 .4 percent of the vote . The Liberals achieved a share of 5 .5 percent of the vote . For the first time, six parties are represented in the state parliament . Since none of the three coalition partners questioned a continuation of the coalition of SPD, Greens, and Liberals at any point in time, negotiations started quickly . The new government took office on May 18 .