The German Green Party has come out on top in the regional elections in Baden-Württemberg, according to initial projections, slightly ahead of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU). This result confirms the Greens' electoral strength in this southwestern German region and could prolong the current coalition between the two parties.
According to estimates broadcast by the public broadcaster ARD, the Greens would receive approximately 30,4% of the vote, compared to 29,7% for the CDU. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party would come in third place with 18,6% of the vote, consolidating its status as the main opposition party at the national level.
The Greens' rise is largely attributed to the popularity of their leader, Cem Özdemir, a former Minister of Agriculture. A moderate and experienced figure in German politics, he successfully mobilized voters during the campaign against the 37-year-old conservative candidate, Manuel Hagel.
Initially trailing in the polls, the Greens gradually closed the gap in the final weeks leading up to the election. The economic difficulties faced by the federal government and some criticism of the CDU also weighed on the Conservative campaign.
Despite this lead for the Greens, the results should lead to the continuation of the coalition between the two parties, which have governed Baden-Württemberg together for several years.
This election also confirms the sustained progress of the AfD, which continues to strengthen its political presence in Germany, including in regions traditionally less favorable to the far right.
