Initial projections from the Baden-Württemberg state election show the Greens, led by Cem Özdemir, narrowly ahead of the CDU, headed by Manuel Hagel. Following the results, Özdemir called for a "partnership at eye level" with the CDU, referencing past governmental successes.
Key points
- The SPD experienced a significant drop in support, nearly halving its 2021 vote share to around 5.4-5.5 percent, leading leader Andreas Stoch to announce his resignation as state and parliamentary group leader.
- The AfD achieved nearly double its 2021 result, reaching close to 18 percent, with leader Markus Frohnmaier calling it a "huge success" and establishing the party as the "relevant opposition force in the Southwest."
- The FDP and the Left Party risk failing to enter the state parliament, with both polling around 4.5 percent.
- Cem Özdemir celebrated a "brilliant catch-up race" but urged patience, while CDU leader Manuel Hagel accepted responsibility for his party's result, noting the past weeks were an "enormous burden" for his family.
Why it matters
The close race between the Greens and the CDU suggests complex coalition negotiations ahead, while the major losses for the SPD and potential failure of the FDP and Left Party to enter the Landtag signal a significant shift in the state's political landscape.
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