Green Candidate Özdemir Focuses on Economy in Baden-Württemberg Election

Cem Özdemir Focuses on Economy in Baden-Württemberg Election Bid

Stuttgart, Germany – February 11, 2026 – Cem Özdemir, the Green Party’s candidate for Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg, is prioritizing economic issues in his campaign ahead of the March 2026 state election. This marks a deliberate shift in focus for the party, traditionally known for its environmental policies.

Özdemir’s campaign slogan, reportedly “Wirtschaft, Wirtschaft, Wirtschaft” – “Economy, Economy, Economy” – signals his intention to appeal to voters concerned about the economic climate in the region. He aims to liberate businesses from what he describes as unnecessary bureaucracy, according to a recent interview with SWR Aktuell.

The move comes as Winfried Kretschmann, the current Minister-President, prepares to retire from politics after the election. Özdemir, a seasoned politician and former Federal Agriculture Minister, was chosen as the Green Party’s lead candidate with an overwhelming 97 percent approval, signaling strong internal support for his leadership.

However, the Greens face a significant challenge in retaining power. Current opinion polls place the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in the lead with 29 percent, while the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is narrowly ahead of the Greens. According to a recent Infratest dimap poll commissioned by SWR and the “Stuttgarter Zeitung,” the CDU remains in first place, but the Greens have gained ground, increasing their support by 3 percentage points to 23 percent, narrowing the gap and moving ahead of the AfD.

The party is working to emphasize a seamless transition from Kretschmann’s leadership, featuring joint appearances and campaign materials that highlight Özdemir as his natural successor. This strategy is designed to reassure voters seeking stability in government.

Özdemir is also advocating for strengthening vocational training by introducing a master’s foundation premium and expanding compulsory vocational training, aiming to prevent young people without apprenticeship placements from falling out of the training system. He believes a combination of free master training with increased premiums will incentivize further qualification, self-employment, and business ownership, addressing a significant demand in the region.

In the context of the ongoing crisis in the automotive industry, Özdemir is calling for Baden-Württemberg to solidify its position as an international center for the production and research of battery cells. He disputes the argument, put forward by the CDU, that the shift to electric drives is responsible for the industry’s challenges.

Strategically, the Greens are attempting to differentiate their state-level campaign from national party politics. Özdemir has stressed the unique character of the Baden-Württemberg Greens, describing them as pragmatic and closely connected to local concerns. The party aims to distance itself from federal controversies and concentrate on regional priorities, particularly economic issues relevant to major industries like Daimler and Bosch.

At a recent state conference in Ludwigsburg, Kretschmann encouraged party members not to be discouraged by unfavorable polling data, citing historical precedents where the Greens overcame similar deficits. He emphasized the importance of unity and resilience as the campaign intensifies. Kretschmann also adopted a more assertive tone toward the CDU, contrasting his campaign promises with those of his opponents, framing the election as a direct contest between the two major parties.

According to recent data, 39 percent of Baden-Württemberg residents would choose Özdemir if the Minister-President were directly elected. He has stated his intention to serve as Minister-President, saying, “Ich habe meine Bereitschaft erklärt, für dieses wunderschöne Land Baden-Württemberg als Minischterpräsident zu kandidieren – und dann schau mer mal.” – “I have declared my willingness to run as Minister-President for this beautiful state of Baden-Württemberg – and then we’ll see.”