JUST IN: The Greens narrowly win against the conservatives in the elections in the German state of Baden-Württemberg | International
In breaking news, the following story has emerged from the international scene.
Cem Özdemir leads his party to a slim victory over the CDU, as far-right AfD sees significant gains
The Greens have triumphed in the crucial elections held in the German state of Baden-Württemberg, edging out the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) by just half a percentage point. With 99% of the votes counted, the Greens secured 30.2%, narrowly surpassing the CDU’s 29.7%. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) emerged as a strong third, with 18.8% of the vote, marking a significant rise of nine points.
A Historic Victory for Cem Özdemir
Cem Özdemir, the Greens’ candidate, celebrated the outcome as a remarkable victory, having overcome polling predictions that initially placed the CDU in the lead. Speaking to a jubilant crowd after the first vote projections, Özdemir acknowledged his party’s success but cautioned that it was still “too early to say anything definitive” as votes continued to be counted.
The 60-year-old politician, who has held significant roles including Federal President of the Greens and Minister of Agriculture in Germany, was quick to credit the Greens’ achievements over the past decade, emphasizing that the party’s record would serve as the “reference point” for future governance. He also noted that the result reflected a broad desire among the people of Baden-Württemberg for the state to continue its economic prosperity.
Despite not yet officially claiming victory, Özdemir’s appeal was undeniable, with his popularity playing a pivotal role in securing this narrow win. He is now poised to become the region’s first president of Turkish descent, further solidifying the Greens’ place in the state’s political landscape.
“What a campaign! What a spectacular comeback!” Özdemir exclaimed, reflecting on a fiercely contested race that saw him defy expectations. “The Greens have raised many expectations among the people of Baden-Württemberg who want the state to prosper,” he added.
CDU’s Narrow Defeat and the Future of Coalition Talks
Although the CDU’s candidate, Manuel Hagel, improved on the party’s performance from five years ago, he was ultimately thwarted in his bid to become the youngest-ever regional president in Germany. The 37-year-old accepted the narrow loss, taking responsibility for the outcome of the campaign, including key decisions made along the way.
As negotiations to form a new coalition government are set to begin, discussions will focus on renewing the partnership between the Greens and conservatives. Since 2016, these two parties have governed Baden-Württemberg together in a coalition, and they may now seek to continue their cooperation, despite the slight change in the political balance.
Meanwhile, the far-right AfD made significant strides, nearly doubling its vote share compared to previous elections. Party leader Alice Weidel celebrated the party’s success, particularly its ability to attract new voters as well as disillusioned supporters from the CDU and liberal factions. Despite controversy surrounding candidate Markus Frohnmaier’s connections to nepotism, Weidel dismissed the accusations, claiming that the AfD’s rise was rooted in the public’s desire for change.
On the other hand, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) suffered a major blow, recording its worst-ever regional result. SPD candidate Andreas Stoch, who led the party in the campaign, announced his resignation as regional and parliamentary faction president, further signaling the party’s discontent with the election outcome.
A State of Economic Strain and Political Tension
Baden-Württemberg, Germany’s third-largest state by area and one of the nation’s economic powerhouses, has been grappling with several challenges. The state’s GDP, which contributes more than 15% of Germany’s total economic output, is under pressure as the region struggles with a stagnating economy, high energy prices, and significant industrial restructuring.
The automotive industry, a key driver of the region’s economy, has been particularly hard-hit by the ongoing crisis. Companies like Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Bosch, which call the state home, have been forced to contend with job cuts, relocations, and cost-cutting measures. At the same time, high taxes and rising bureaucracy are compounding issues, further straining businesses and citizens alike.
“The structural crisis we are facing means that we have tasks to carry out, both politically and economically,” said Claus Paal, President of the region’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Among the priorities for the new government will be digitalization, with many businesses and public offices still lagging behind in modernizing their systems.
With 7.7 million people casting ballots in these elections—the highest turnout following the lowering of the voting age to 16—the results have set the stage for further elections across Germany. In the coming months, voters in Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony-Anhalt, Berlin, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern will head to the polls, making 2026 a crucial year in German politics.
What This Means:
This development could have far-reaching consequences for global politics in the months ahead.
As the situation continues to evolve, analysts are closely watching for further developments.
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Source: This article was originally published in another language by Internacional en EL PAÍS and has been translated and adapted for our global English-speaking audience. Read the original article here.