The survey results at a glance

• CDU: 29 percent (+1)
• SPD: 28 percent (+1)
• AfD: 19 percent (unchanged)
• Greens: 8 percent (-1)
• Left: 5 percent (unchanged)
• Free voters: 4.5 percent (-0.5)
• Other: 6.5 percent (-0.5)

The CDU led by top candidate Gordon Schnieder gained one percentage point compared to a previous survey from February and reached 29 percent, according to the survey published by the Infratest dimap institute for ARD on Thursday in Cologne.

The SPD of Prime Minister Alexander Schweitzer follows closely behind with 28 percent, which also gained one point. The AfD comes in third place with an unchanged 19 percent. The Greens lose one point compared to February and reach eight percent. The left is seen as unchanged at five percent. It has never been represented in the Mainz state parliament.

Free voters, BSW and FDP below five percent

Several surveys had recently predicted five to six percent for the Free Voters. According to the new survey, they come to 4.5 percent and would fail at the five percent hurdle. All other parties together achieved seven percent, including the FDP and the BSW.

1,534 eligible voters were surveyed from Monday to Wednesday. When asked who they would directly vote for prime minister, 38 percent named Schweitzer and 21 percent named Schnieder.

A new state parliament will be elected in Rhineland-Palatinate on Sunday next week. A traffic light coalition made up of the SPD, Greens and FDP currently governs under Schweitzer.