Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

CDU and Greens Neck-and-Neck in Crucial Election Showdown

3/8/2026

34 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The CDU led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces a crucial Baden-Württemberg election after polls show a 28% tie with Greens.
Manuel Hagel leads the CDU, and Cem Özdemir represents the Greens, while AfD sits at 18% in polls.
Voters cite economic issues and energy dependence, worsened by the Middle East conflict.
If the Greens win, Cem Özdemir would become the first state premier of Turkish heritage, succeeding Winfried Kretschmann.

1 of 1

Story summary

The CDU led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces a crucial Baden-Württemberg election after polls show a 28% tie with Greens.
Manuel Hagel leads the CDU, and Cem Özdemir represents the Greens, while AfD sits at 18% in polls.
Voters cite economic issues and energy dependence, worsened by the Middle East conflict.
If the Greens win, Cem Özdemir would become the first state premier of Turkish heritage, succeeding Winfried Kretschmann.