CDU's election donation plea sparks outrage among pharmacists

Baden-Württemberg pharmacists furious over CDU's election donation request amid fee fight

Baden-Württemberg Heads to the Polls as CDU Courts Pharmacists for Campaign Donations

In early March, Baden-Württemberg will elect a new state parliament, and the campaign is entering its final stretch. But the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) isn't just vying for votes—it's also soliciting donations. Manuel Hagel, the CDU's lead candidate, has sent a letter to pharmacies across the state, asking for financial support—complete with a pre-filled donation slip.

"The local pharmacy is an essential part of our healthcare infrastructure, and we are committed to strengthening it while advocating for better framework conditions at the federal level," reads the CDU's platform for the 2026 state election in Baden-Württemberg.

From the pharmacies' perspective, those "better conditions" include a long-overdue fee increase—one that was promised in the coalition agreement but never materialized. This week, as the CDU holds its party conference in Stuttgart, a procession of pharmacy delivery vehicles has been drawing attention to the issue. It's little wonder, then, that the CDU's donation appeal has sparked outrage and bewilderment among pharmacists. "Given how the CDU has failed for decades to adjust our fees, this is infuriating," said one pharmacist who received the letter today.

"We're in the home stretch," Hagel begins in his appeal. "In just a few weeks, you will decide the direction Baden-Württemberg takes. The CDU stands for reason over ideology, for openness over isolation. Our state has the potential to lead once more—economically strong, technologically advanced, and socially cohesive. We represent the renewed strength of the civic center, tackling problems instead of just talking about them."

But to make this fresh start a reality, Hagel personally asks for support. A final campaign push, he writes, requires energy—both in spirit and in funds. "Your donation will help us carry this confidence across the entire state. You'll be investing directly in a stable government that makes education, the economy, and growth a top priority—and fights for every single job."

The letter includes a pre-filled bank transfer form, with the pharmacy's name and a donor number already entered. For those who prefer digital payments, a QR code is provided as an alternative.

Hagel even outlines how the money will be used: €500 would fund additional flyers to reach "literally every household" in the final days. With €1,000, the party could launch a targeted social media campaign to precisely inform thousands of undecided voters. And a €5,000 donation would equip campaign teams with the resources they need for door-to-door canvassing across the state.