International Times: Wednesday 1 April 2026 | 9–10am (EDT, Washington D.C.) / 2–3pm (BST, London)
As Europe’s two main powerhouses face deepening political divides, our next GPA Strategist Hour examines the local shifts redefining the progressive landscape in France and Germany.
We will analyse the state elections in Baden-Wuerttemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate – important electoral tests for the German Greens and Social Democrats – alongside the French municipal elections, where the center-left is under pressure from surging extremes. Beyond the immediate results, we explore the broader impact: What do these local elections mean for government stability and the urgent need to refresh centrer-left platforms? What concrete ideas are emerging to build winning majorities for the democratic center? Ultimately, how will these local shifts set the stage for the crucial 2027 presidential elections in France?
As the dust settles on the Bavarian capital, we want to look beyond the diplomatic noise and take stock: How do Germany and Europe rethink power, security, and progressive strategy? Has the conference signaled that Germany and its closest allies are prepared to forge a collective strategic mindset? What is holding back the shift from rhetoric to action? And how can the European turn Mark Carney’s watershed appeal at Davos into a blueprint for a new multilateral order of „Middle Powers“?
Join us for our next GPA Strategist Hour on the Regional Elections in Germany and France, featuring:
- Jana Faus, Co-founder and Managing Partner of pollytix strategic research gmbh
- Zoe Reyners, CEO Katch & Reyners, Adviser to MEP and Co-President of Place Publique, Raphaël Glucksmann
The debate will be moderated by Florian Ranft, Member of the Management Board at Das Progressive Zentrum.
Please note that the conversation of this digitally invite-only session will follow Chatham House Rules. Login details will be sent ahead.
The event is a cooperation between the Center for American Progress Action and Das Progressive Zentrum.
If you are interested in this invite-only-event, please contact us via events@progressives-zentrum.org
