Greens and CDU Poised to Continue Coalition in Baden-Württemberg After Close Election

Stuttgart – The Green Party narrowly won the state election in Baden-Württemberg on Sunday, March 8, 2026, edging out the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in a closely contested race. Preliminary final results show the Greens securing 30.2% of the vote, compared to the CDU’s 29.7%. This outcome suggests the current coalition government of Greens and CDU will likely remain in power, with Green Party candidate Cem Özdemir expected to grow the state’s next premier.

A Tight Race and Shifting Fortunes

The election saw a significant shift in momentum in the final week of campaigning. While the Greens and CDU had been governing together, polls initially indicated the CDU held a stronger position. However, a surge in popularity for the Greens allowed them to close the gap and ultimately secure a narrow victory.

Results Breakdown

Here’s a breakdown of the key results from the election:

• Greens: 30.2% (56 seats)
• CDU: 29.7% (56 seats)
• AfD: 18.8%
• SPD: 5.5%

Voter turnout increased to 69.6%, up from 63.8% in the previous election five years ago.

AfD Gains and SPD Struggles

The right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved its greatest success to date in a former West German state, garnering 18.8% of the vote. Conversely, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) experienced a historic defeat, receiving only 5.5% of the vote – their worst performance in any state election.

First Election with Lower Voting Age

This election marked the first Landtag election in Baden-Württemberg where citizens aged 16 and over were eligible to participate. The increased voter turnout suggests greater engagement from younger voters.

Looking Ahead

With the Greens and CDU likely to form a coalition government once again, Baden-Württemberg is expected to continue its focus on environmental policies and sustainable development. The significant gains made by the AfD, however, will likely prompt discussions about addressing the concerns of voters drawn to the party’s platform. The SPD will demand to undertake a thorough reassessment of its strategy to regain support in the state.