German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, who raised eyebrows with her decision to seek the state premier position while holding one of the most prominent ministerial positions in Berlin, has conceded defeat on seeing the decisive exit polls. 

Faeser spoke of a "disappointing result" for the Social Democrats (SPD), who look set to finish more than 20% adrift of the CDU, and said the party had failed to "cut through" with their talking points and policies.

She congratulated the CDU and state premier Boris Rhein on a clear victory.

Influential SPD General Secretary Kevin Kühnert, formerly the leader of the party's youth wing, said on German public television that the results were a "clear signal" to the federal government, known by the color-based nickname "traffic light" coalition (red, yellow, and green) in Germany. "We have understood," he said. 

However, when asked if the result should have consequences for Faeser's position in Berlin, Kühnert said he believed not.

"We stand behind Nancy Faeser," he said. "This was a vote about Hesse."