German Greens Secure Baden-Württemberg, Paving Way for First Leader of Turkish Roots
Stuttgart, Germany – In a closely contested regional election, the Green party of Germany has narrowly held onto power in Baden-Württemberg, a southwestern state bordering France. The results, announced Sunday, mark a significant moment as Cem Özdemir, the party’s lead candidate and former federal agriculture minister, is poised to become the first state premier with Turkish roots in Germany.
The Greens’ victory over the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, was tighter than anticipated. Baden-Württemberg, a historically conservative region, has been governed by the Greens since 2011. A coalition government between the Greens and the CDU is expected to be formed under Özdemir’s leadership, succeeding the popular Winfried Kretschmann who has served as the state’s premier for 15 years.
The election outcome is being closely watched nationally, as Baden-Württemberg is Germany’s third most populous region with over 11 million residents and a key economic driver. The state’s economy is heavily reliant on the automotive industry, currently navigating a period of structural crisis.
Özdemir, 60, will take the helm at a critical juncture, facing the challenge of balancing environmental concerns with the economic realities of a region dependent on car manufacturing. His appointment is seen as a potential turning point in German politics, reflecting a growing acceptance of diversity in leadership positions. As noted by Deutsche Welle, Özdemir’s background is particularly noteworthy, breaking barriers for those with Turkish heritage in German political life.
This election is the first of five regional votes scheduled for 2026, and the results will likely influence the national political landscape as Germany grapples with economic challenges and the transition to a greener economy.
(AP Photo/Bernd Weissbrod)
