German Greens Edge Out CDU in Baden-Württemberg Election as Kretschmann Era Ends

Stuttgart, Germany – In a closely contested election held on March 8, 2026, the Green Party narrowly defeated the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Baden-Württemberg, marking the end of Winfried Kretschmann’s 15-year tenure as Minister-President. The outcome signals a potential shift in the political landscape of the state and sets the stage for a new coalition government.

Tight Race and Unexpected Results

The election was characterized by a neck-and-neck race between the Greens, led by Cem Özdemir, and the CDU, with Manuel Hagel as its top candidate. Recent polls had shown both parties tied at 28%, highlighting the competitiveness of the election. The final results, however, saw the Greens secure 30.3% of the vote, slightly ahead of the CDU’s 29.7%.

Key Results and Seat Distribution

Here’s a breakdown of the election results as of March 9, 2026:

• Greens: 57 seats (30.3% of the vote) – a gain of 1 seat
• CDU: 56 seats (29.7% of the vote) – a gain of 14 seats
• AfD: 35 seats (18.7% of the vote) – a gain of 18 seats
• SPD: 10 seats (5.5% of the vote) – a loss of 9 seats
• FDP: 0 seats (4.4% of the vote) – a loss of 18 seats
• The Left: 0 seats (4.4% of the vote)

Turnout for the election was 69.6%, a 5.8% increase from the previous election.

Challenges for Manuel Hagel and the CDU

Despite a strong initial lead in polls, the CDU’s campaign faced several setbacks. A video resurfaced from eight years prior, showing Hagel making comments about a school class visit, which drew criticism. Internal debates within the CDU regarding part-time operate and healthcare policies created further challenges. The CDU middle class association MIT’s demand to restrict the right to part-time work sparked controversy, with the Greens claiming the CDU aimed to abolish it altogether, a claim Hagel disputed.

Özdemir’s Successful Campaign and Kretschmann’s Legacy

Cem Özdemir proved to be a resilient campaigner, consistently engaging with voters and maintaining a positive outlook. He successfully distanced himself from more radical elements within the Green Party, particularly regarding trade agreements, and emphasized his support for the state’s industrial sector. He also benefited from the trust built by outgoing Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann, who served for 15 years, first with the SPD and then with the CDU.

The Rise of the AfD

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) also saw significant gains, securing 35 seats in the Landtag. The party capitalized on fears surrounding economic uncertainty, particularly following layoffs at Bosch and Daimler, by promising quick solutions, such as new nuclear power plants.

Looking Ahead: Coalition Formation

With no single party securing a majority, the formation of a new coalition government is now underway. The most likely scenario appears to be a continuation of the Green-CDU coalition, though the altered seat distribution may require adjustments to policy priorities. Manuel Hagel is expected to be offered a position in the new government, despite the election outcome.

Source: Reuters, Wikipedia, Deutschland in English