Munich’s political landscape is already buzzing with activity as both the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Christian Social Union (CSU) held their traditional Three Kings’ meetings on January 6, 2026. These gatherings mark the unofficial start of the municipal election campaign, with the election scheduled for March 8. The events, characterized by spirited speeches and clear delineations of political positions, set the stage for a contentious race for the city’s leadership.
SPD’s Reiter: Experience vs. Experiment
At the Hofbräukeller, a packed hall greeted SPD Oberbürgermeister Dieter Reiter, who is vying for a third term. Reiter, a seasoned politician, framed the upcoming election as a critical choice for Munich: “Between experience or experiment. Stance or ideology. Responsibility or show politics.” He positioned himself and the SPD as the embodiment of experience, conviction, and responsibility, while casting the Greens and the CSU, along with their respective mayoral candidates, as proponents of experimentation, ideology, and political theatrics.
Reiter’s speech, lasting over an hour, focused heavily on affordable housing, a core tenet of SPD policy. He staunchly defended the rent freeze in municipal housing, which he claims has provided relief to 150,000 Munich residents for many years. He also pledged continued construction of municipal housing and called for stronger commitments from large and medium-sized companies to build company housing. Beyond housing, Reiter highlighted the SPD’s achievements in economic prosperity (highest per capita trade tax), safety (safest major city), public transport, and social and cultural spending.
Notably, Reiter took aim at his political rivals, accusing the CSU of “backward-looking blockade politics” and the Greens of “morally arrogant ideology.” He dismissed the proposals of Green mayoral candidate Dominik Krause (free MVV ticket for seniors) and CSU candidate Clemens Baumgärtner (city-wide video surveillance) as lacking substance. The SPD’s event also saw a small demonstration by the Left Party outside the Hofbräukeller, criticizing the SPD’s housing policies.
CSU’s Baumgärtner: Challenging the Status Quo
Meanwhile, the CSU’s Three Kings’ meeting at the Augustinerkeller was marked by the presence of a prominent guest from Berlin: Jens Spahn, parliamentary leader of the CDU/CSU Union faction in the Bundestag and former Federal Minister of Health. Spahn, introduced by CSU mayoral candidate Clemens Baumgärtner, delivered a speech that lauded Bavaria as a well-functioning state, contrasting it with perceived shortcomings in Berlin, particularly referencing recent power outages. Spahn’s remarks, which touched on national security, migration, and the “cityscape debate” initiated by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, resonated with the audience.
Baumgärtner, in his address, presented himself as a stark alternative to Oberbürgermeister Reiter, whom he accused of representing “stagnation.” He criticized the long-standing debates surrounding city streams and protracted construction projects, promising decisive action if elected. Baumgärtner also took jabs at the Greens, accusing them of treating the city “like an architectural model” in their traffic policies and creating “dark fear zones under green patronage” in discussions about security. CSU leader Georg Eisenreich expressed concerns about a potential shift towards a “much more left-wing” city policy if the SPD and Greens were to cooperate with the Left Party, dismissing the possibility of such a coalition gaining a majority.
A Glimpse into the Future: Key Issues and Candidate Profiles
The municipal election in Munich on March 8, 2026, will see a diverse field of candidates. Incumbent Dieter Reiter (SPD), at 67, is seeking a third term, having previously won in run-offs against CSU candidates. He has a long history with the city administration, serving over 40 years and previously as head of the Department of Labor and Economic Affairs. [sueddeutsche.de](https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/kommunalwahl-2026-muenchen-oberbuergermeister-kandidaten-dieter-reiter-clemens-baumgaertner-dominik-krause-uebersicht-li.3343600)
Clemens Baumgärtner (CSU), 49, a lawyer, served as the city’s head of the Department of Labor and Economic Affairs from 2019, playing a significant role in bringing the IAA auto show to Munich and attracting tech companies. He is prioritizing economic development and security in his campaign. [sueddeutsche.de](https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/kommunalwahl-2026-muenchen-oberbuergermeister-kandidaten-dieter-reiter-clemens-baumgaertner-dominik-krause-uebersicht-li.3343600)
Dominik Krause (Greens), 35, is the youngest of the main candidates. A physics graduate, he has been a city council member since 2014 and became Second Mayor in October 2023. His key concerns are exploding rents, climate protection, and expanding public transport and cycling infrastructure. [sueddeutsche.de](https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/kommunalwahl-2026-muenchen-oberbuergermeister-kandidaten-dieter-reiter-clemens-baumgaertner-dominik-krause-uebersicht-li.3343600)
Other notable candidates include Jörg Hoffmann (FDP), a professor of corporate taxation and auditing, who is running for OB again after 2020. Stefan Jagel (Left Party), a former nurse and trade union secretary, focuses on tenant rights. Tobias Ruff (ÖDP), an aquatic ecologist, opposes new urban development projects. Markus Walbrunn (AfD) is a city council member and state parliament member. Dirk Höpner (München-Liste) criticizes the city’s growth. Michael Piazolo (Freie Wähler), a former state minister, and Felix Sproll (Volt), a financial advisor, are also in the running. [sueddeutsche.de](https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/kommunalwahl-2026-muenchen-oberbuergermeister-kandidaten-dieter-reiter-clemens-baumgaertner-dominik-krause-uebersicht-li.3343600)
The SPD’s program for the 2026 municipal election, adopted in July 2025, emphasizes affordable housing, a stable economy, and secure jobs. The party aims to regain its strength in the city council, currently being the third strongest force. [sueddeutsche.de](https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/muenchen-spd-parteitag-kommunalwahl-2026-programm-wirtschaft-wohnen-reiter-li.3282764) Oberbürgermeister Reiter leads the SPD’s city council list, receiving strong support from his party. [sueddeutsche.de](https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/muenchen-spd-stadtratsliste-kommunalwahl-li.3337874)
The Stakes: A City at a Crossroads
The upcoming election is more than just a contest for political power; it is a battle for Munich’s future trajectory. The core issues of affordable housing, urban development, climate protection, and public safety will define the campaign. The SPD, under Reiter, seeks to maintain its legacy of social-democratic governance, emphasizing stability and proven leadership. The CSU, with Baumgärtner, aims to inject new dynamism, focusing on economic growth and a more assertive approach to urban management. The Greens, represented by Krause, advocate for a more sustainable and socially equitable city.
The debates at the Three Kings’ meetings highlighted the deep ideological divides and strategic maneuvering that will characterize the coming weeks. As the election draws closer, Munich residents will have to weigh these contrasting visions, deciding whether they prefer the continuity offered by the incumbent, the change promised by the challengers, or the progressive agenda of the Green party. The outcome will not only shape the daily lives of Munich’s citizens but also influence the city’s standing as a major European metropolis.
Source: [sueddeutsche.de](https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/muenchen-kommunalwahlkampf-dreikoenigstreffen-spd-csu-jens-spahn-li.3356755)
