Boris Rhein feverishly cheered on son Bruno - "Great excitement" - CDU triumphs in Frankfurt elections with historic 26.5% vote share
The CDU has emerged as the strongest party in Frankfurt's local elections, securing 26.5% of the vote. This marks a notable rise of 4.6 percentage points since the last municipal elections in 2021. Meanwhile, other parties saw mixed results, with some gaining ground while others lost support.
Hesse's Minister-President Boris Rhein watched the results unfold alongside his son Bruno, who stood as a candidate in Frankfurt's Nieder-Eschbach district. For the elder Rhein, the experience proved more nerve-wracking than his own campaigns.
The CDU's victory in Frankfurt represents a significant shift from 2021, when the party won 21.9% of the vote. Their 26.5% share now places them firmly ahead of rivals, reversing previous losses. The Greens, who had been a dominant force, fell to 21.0%, a drop of 3.6 points compared to five years ago.
The SPD also saw a slight decline, slipping from 17.0% in 2021 to 16.7%. Meanwhile, the AfD made substantial gains, rising by 4.6 points to 9.1%. The Left Party increased its share modestly, reaching 8.9%, up by 1.0 point. The FDP, however, struggled, losing 2.9 points to finish with just 4.7%. The election held personal significance for Boris Rhein, who observed the process with his son Bruno. The younger Rhein, a trainee teacher with a keen interest in politics, campaigned on issues like public safety, urban cleanliness, and improving sports facilities. His father admitted that watching his son's campaign had been far tenser than any of his own political races.
The CDU now leads Frankfurt's local government with a clear margin, while other parties adjust to shifting voter preferences. The Greens and SPD both lost ground, whereas the AfD and Left Party gained support. The results also marked a milestone for the Rhein family, as Bruno Rhein entered local politics under his father's watchful eye.
