March 2026: Key Dates and Events in Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg
March 2026 will be a significant month for the German states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg, marked by state elections, mayoral races, economic updates, and commemorative events. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the key dates and happenings.
State Elections in Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg
The 2026 election year kicks off in March with state elections in both Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. These elections will shape the political landscape of each state for the coming years.
Baden-Württemberg
The election in Baden-Württemberg is scheduled for March 8th, with approximately 7.7 million eligible voters. The election will determine the successor to Winfried Kretschmann (Greens), who is stepping down after three terms. Recent polling data from January indicates a close race, with the CDU currently leading at 29 percent, followed by the Greens at 23 percent, and the AfD at 20 percent [1].
Rhineland-Palatinate
Citizens in Rhineland-Palatinate will head to the polls on March 22nd to elect a new state parliament. Around 3.1 million eligible voters will decide the composition of the parliament and the future governing coalition. Twelve parties are contesting the election, including the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance. January polling suggests the CDU is ahead of the SPD and AfD. Incumbent Prime Minister Alexander Schweitzer (SPD) is campaigning to regain momentum against CDU candidate Gordon Schnieder [2].
Mayoral Elections in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate
Alongside the state elections, several cities will be electing new mayors.
Baden-Württemberg
On March 8th, concurrent with the state election, mayoral elections will be held in Ravensburg, Eislingen (Göppingen district), and Baden-Baden. A new election was necessary in Baden-Baden after the previous mayor, Dietmar Späth, was declared unfit for service due to psychological stress stemming from public hostility. Späth had previously been in the news following a car accident while under the influence of alcohol.
Rhineland-Palatinate
On March 22nd, numerous municipal direct elections will seize place in Rhineland-Palatinate, including mayoral elections in the municipalities of Vordereifel and Nieder-Olm. Mayoral elections will likewise be held in nine municipalities and two cities, with incumbents re-elected in Ingelheim am Rhein and Zweibrücken as their terms expire. Runoff elections are scheduled for April 12th if no candidate secures an absolute majority.
More Transparency: Schufa Score Access
From the end of March, individuals can access their Schufa credit score digitally and free of charge. This requires a one-time registration for a Schufa account, with users being activated in stages after joining a waiting list. The new, simplified scoring model aims to make creditworthiness calculations more transparent for the general public.
Commemoration of the Mannheim Shooting
March 3rd marks the first anniversary of the Mannheim shooting spree, where a man drove his car through downtown Mannheim, resulting in two fatalities and several injuries. A memorial event will be held at the Konkordien City Church in Mannheim on March 3rd, around the time of the incident.
Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
For many Muslims, the fasting month of Ramadan concludes in March, having begun on the evening of February 18th and ending on March 20th. The Sugar Festival (Eid al-Fitr), marking the end of Ramadan, will be celebrated on March 20th with family gatherings, prayers, and festive meals. The festival is traditionally celebrated with the exchange of sweets and gifts, particularly for children.
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8th, is a day dedicated to recognizing women’s rights and the ongoing pursuit of equality. Demonstrations and events will take place in cities like Mainz and Stuttgart to raise awareness about women’s equality, education, and political participation.
Time Change to Summer Time
On the night of March 28th to 29th, clocks will be moved forward one hour to observe summer time. While the EU had considered abolishing the time change, the decision has been postponed due to political complexities.
Easter Holidays and Increased Traffic
The Easter holidays begin on March 30th and last for two weeks in Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg. This period is expected to see increased traffic on motorways and at popular tourist destinations.
March 2026 promises to be a dynamic month for the people of Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate, encompassing political events, cultural observances, and economic updates.