Özdemir warns CDU: Today's rival can be tomorrow's partner!

Özdemir warns CDU: Today's rival can be tomorrow's partner!

The political landscape in Baden-Württemberg is changing intensively in the run-up to the state elections in March 2025. Cem Özdemir, the Green Party's designated top candidate, recently called for fairness in the election campaign at the party conference in Heidenheim. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue and noted that today's competitor can be a coalition partner tomorrow. This shows the dynamics that could emerge with regard to future government formation. Özdemir announced that he would fight his election campaign with full commitment for the next 288 days and took a critical look at the rival CDU, which, in his opinion, was lulling into security too early.

Manuel Hagel, 36 years old and chairman of the CDU parliamentary group, has also stood as a candidate for prime minister. Hagel, who is entering the race as a possible successor to Winfried Kretschmann, wants to lead the CDU back to the top of the government after a long period of opposition. Despite a strong showing in politics, Hagel faces both Özdemir and Kretschmann's overall popularity. Current polls show the CDU ahead of the Greens and the AfD, which classifies the upcoming election as a first test of sentiment for the new federal government under Friedrich Merz.

Campaign strategies and rivalry

Hagel and Özdemir face the challenge of strategically shaping their respective election campaigns. According to information from bundestagswahl-bw.de, election campaign planning often begins a year before the election date. In the first phase, the top candidates are determined and the election program is prepared. In the months before the election, central party conferences take place where the main topics are presented. The election campaign aims to mobilize one's own supporters as well as to appeal to those who are undecided.

Both candidates rely on their Swabian dialect to identify with the region. Hagel, who comes from a small Swabian town, could have an advantage, while Özdemir is better known nationwide but has less local familiarity. The state election will not only be a test of their political skills, but also a test of their ability to emotionally appeal to voters and clearly communicate their political visions.

A look into the future

The election campaign phase will be intensified with central events, commercials and finally a TV duel between the top candidates. Such formats are crucial to mobilize voters and spread election messages. The combination of personal appearances and digital campaigns will be crucial for both parties to assert themselves in Baden-Württemberg's changing electoral landscape.

The coming months promise exciting political developments as Cem Özdemir and Manuel Hagel prepare for the election campaign. Both know that the outcome of the state election could be important not only for them personally, but also for the political direction of the state.