Kretschmann Defends Hagel Over Controversial Phrase in Election Speech

The Baden-Württemberg Ministerpräsident dismisses criticism of Manuel Hagel's use of a phrase linked to right-wing extremism as unfounded and politically motivated.

Manuel Hagel, CDU Fraktionschef, used the phrase 'Umweltschutz ist Heimatschutz' during his candidacy announcement for the 2026 Baden-Württemberg state election.
The phrase, associated with right-wing extremist groups, has drawn sharp criticism, including a resignation demand from The Left Party.
Ministerpräsident Winfried Kretschmann publicly defended Hagel, calling the accusations 'abwegig' (absurd) and 'perfide' (perfidious).
Kretschmann pointed out that similar language appears in the state constitution and his own writings, arguing that its use is not inherently problematic.
The CDU dismissed the resignation call as a politically motivated maneuver in the lead-up to the 2026 election.