Manuel Hagel Officially Declares Candidacy for Baden-Württemberg Minister-President

The CDU leader aims to end a decade of Green Party rule in the 2026 state election, facing Cem Özdemir as his main opponent.

Manuel Hagel, the 36-year-old CDU leader in Baden-Württemberg, announced his candidacy for Minister-President in the 2026 state election.
The election will determine the successor to Winfried Kretschmann, Germany's only Green Minister-President, who will step down after three terms.
The CDU is optimistic about reclaiming power after being in opposition or a junior coalition partner for over a decade, bolstered by a 10-point lead in opinion polls.
Hagel's campaign focuses on modern conservatism, economic recovery, and addressing voter concerns about the AfD, though his lower public profile compared to Green candidate Cem Özdemir poses challenges.
The state election is scheduled for March 8, 2026, with the CDU planning to officially nominate Hagel at a party convention in May 2025.