Rheinland-Pfalz to extend MPK chairmanship by one year

German state leaders have unanimously decided that Rheinland-Pfalz will extend its chairmanship of the Ministerpräsidentenkonferenz (MPK) for an additional year. This decision bypasses Sachsen-Anhalt, which was scheduled to take over the rotating leadership in October 2026.

The change follows a decision by Sachsen-Anhalt's Minister President Sven Schulze to waive the chairmanship after the AfD's victory in his state. Schulze indicated in a letter that the political uncertainty following the election would prevent the “flawless technical and substantive preparation and implementation” of the role.

Rheinland-Pfalz Minister President Gordon Schnieder will continue to lead the informal coordination body, which facilitates cooperation between German states and the federal government. The state government in Mainz confirmed that no additional budget is required for the extension, as existing funds from the previous year were managed efficiently and existing staff are already trained.

The original rotation schedule remains intact for future terms; Schleswig-Holstein is now set to assume the chairmanship in October 2027.