German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) has suffered a crushing defeat to its rival Christian Democratic Party (CDU) in a key state, according to the exit polls.

Local media reports claimed that Scholz’s handling of the Russia-Ukraine conflict may have cost him one of the most populous states of Germany.

Tipped to be an important bellwether for Scholz, the ruling SPD party slumped its worst to 27.4 per cent of the vote compared to CDU’s 35.3 per cent in North Rhine-Westphalia on Sunday.

According to the DW, around 13 million people were eligible to vote, making it the biggest election in Germany this year and one of the most important outside of the general election.

North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is home to major industrial cities—Cologne, Bonn, Duesseldorf, Essen and Dortmund.

It was an SPD stronghold during the 1980s and 1990s but had been ruled by the centre-right CDU since its last election in 2017.

Watch |&nbsp;Regional election in Germany: Olaf Scholz's SPD candidate admits defeat

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CDU’s Hendrik Wuest, who is also the current state premier of NRW, said he believed his party was "quite clearly the strongest force" and claimed to have the mandate to form the next regional government, reports AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/test-for-german-chancellor-olaf-scholzs-party-in-important-state-election-479158">Test for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's party in important state election</a>

The 46-year-old leader took over the position from Armin Laschet last year after the former stepped down following his failed attempt to replace the outgoing Angela Merkel as German chancellor in last year's election.

Notably, this is the second state that the ruling SPD has lost.

Last week, the voters of the small northern state of Schleswig-Holstein gave a landslide victory to the CDU.

Meanwhile, the task is cut out for Scholz who will be facing another regional election in Lower Saxony state scheduled will take place in October.

In Volkswagen AG’s home state, the SPD heads a so-called “grand coalition with the CDU”.

(With inputs from agencies)

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) has suffered a crushing defeat to its rival Christian Democratic Party (CDU) in a key state, according to the exit polls.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) has suffered a crushing defeat to its rival Christian Democratic Party (CDU) in a key state, according to the exit polls. Local media reports claimed that Scholz’s handling of the Russia-Ukraine conflict may have cost him one of the most populous states of Germany. Tipped to be an important bellwether for Scholz, the ruling SPD party slumped its worst to 27.4 per cent of the vote compared to CDU’s 35.3 per cent in North Rhine-Westphalia on Sunday. According to the DW, around 13 million people were eligible to vote, making it the biggest election in Germany this year and one of the most important outside of the general election. North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is home to major industrial cities—Cologne, Bonn, Duesseldorf, Essen and Dortmund. It was an SPD stronghold during the 1980s and 1990s but had been ruled by the centre-right CDU since its last election in 2017. Watch | Regional election in Germany: Olaf Scholz's SPD candidate admits defeat CDU’s Hendrik Wuest, who is also the current state premier of NRW, said he believed his party was "quite clearly the strongest force" and claimed to have the mandate to form the next regional government, reports AFP. Also read | Test for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's party in important state election The 46-year-old leader took over the position from Armin Laschet last year after the former stepped down following his failed attempt to replace the outgoing Angela Merkel as German chancellor in last year's election. Notably, this is the second state that the ruling SPD has lost. Last week, the voters of the small northern state of Schleswig-Holstein gave a landslide victory to the CDU. Meanwhile, the task is cut out for Scholz who will be facing another regional election in Lower Saxony state scheduled will take place in October. In Volkswagen AG’s home state, the SPD heads a so-called “grand coalition with the CDU”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Chancellor Olaf Scholz's SPD loses key Germany state to rival CDU in regional elections

It has been 5 months since Olaf Scholz was elected as Germany's new chancellor. Now Germany's most populous state North Rhine-Westphalia is bracing for elections, this comes as an early test for Scholz's Social Democrats

North Rhine-Westphalia goes to polls, Scholz's SDP faces key test

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north rhine-westphalia-elections

Chancellor Olaf Scholz's SPD loses key Germany state to rival CDU in regional elections

North Rhine-Westphalia goes to polls, Scholz's SDP faces key test