Baden-Württemberg votes: Özdemir challenges Hagel in tight race
Citizens in Baden-Württemberg cast their ballots in a high-stakes parliamentary election as Cem Özdemir’s Greens close the gap with the CDU.
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By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press
STUTTGART, GERMANY — Voters in the southwestern German state of Baden-Württemberg headed to the polls on Sunday for a parliamentary election that serves as a critical test for Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s federal coalition.
While the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) led in recent polls, the Green Party has made significant gains following a late surge by their lead candidate, Cem Özdemir. The outcome is seen as a pivotal indicator for the CDU/CSU-SPD coalition that has governed Germany since last May.
Tight race between Özdemir and Hagel
The election marks the end of an era as long-time State Premier Winfried Kretschmann of the Greens prepares to retire at age 78. Looking to succeed him, Cem Özdemir—the former Agriculture Minister and party co-chair—has successfully broadened the Greens' appeal among older and conservative voters. According to Roberto Heinrich of the opinion research firm, Özdemir enjoys sympathy well beyond his party’s traditional base, even attracting Christian Union supporters.
Controversies cloud CDU prospects
For the CDU, the election is a major test of leadership for Chancellor Friedrich Merz. However, their state candidate, Manuel Hagel, has faced intense scrutiny after a 2018 video resurfaced on social media. In the clip, a then-29-year-old Hagel made comments about a high school girl he visited, describing her "doe eyes" and brown hair. A YouGov poll conducted for the dpa news agency this week revealed that 47% of respondents who were aware of the video said it negatively impacted their view of Hagel.
AfD surge and SPD decline
Polls indicate high support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), led by Markus Frohnmaier. While Frohnmaier has stated he does not intend to enter the state parliament, the party continues to draw support from middle-aged men and those dissatisfied with their economic situation. Conversely, the Social Democrats (SPD) are facing a potential historic defeat, with lead candidate Andreas Stoch aiming to keep the party from falling below the 10% threshold.
Germany's super election year
Baden-Württemberg, home to automotive giants Mercedes and Porsche, is one of Europe’s most competitive economic regions. This election also marks the first time 16-year-old citizens are eligible to vote in the state. As reported by DW, this vote kicks off a "super election year" for Germany, with upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for Rheinland-Pfalz on March 22, followed by Berlin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Saxony-Anhalt in September.
