CDU figure Bäumler: Özdemir must adopt CDU's program - CDU's hardline demands threaten Baden-Württemberg coalition with Greens
Coalition talks in Baden-Württemberg have taken a sharp turn as the CDU pushes for strict terms in any future partnership with the Greens. Following the 8 March Landtag election, the party is demanding major concessions—including control over key appointments and policy decisions. With the state holding six crucial votes in the Bundesrat, the outcome of these negotiations could shape federal politics too.
The CDU's chief negotiator, Christian Bäumler, has laid out a series of hardline conditions. He insists the Greens must adopt the Union's full government programme, not their own election manifesto, as the basis for any deal. Bäumler also wants guarantees that the CDU cannot be outvoted in cabinet, including an equal split of ministerial posts and a veto on decisions that conflict with its stance.
The party has even compiled a list of statements by Green top candidate Cem Özdemir that align with CDU policies. These include scrapping the phase-out of combustion engines and tightening migration rules. Bäumler argues that Özdemir's campaign pledges—not the Greens' official platform—should guide the talks. Control over appointments is another flashpoint. The CDU demands sole authority to select civil servants and judges in areas under its responsibility. Bäumler also wants procedural rules to stop the minister-president from casting Baden-Württemberg's Bundesrat votes against the CDU's position. The state's six seats give it significant influence, especially as the Union holds just 20 of 69 Bundesrat votes nationally. Relations remain tense after the election campaign. The CDU continues to accuse the Greens of running a 'dirty campaign' and has demanded an apology from Özdemir. Party leaders have signalled they will drive a tough bargain, with no room for compromise on their core demands.
The negotiations will determine whether Baden-Württemberg's green-black coalition survives. If the CDU's conditions are met, the state could become a key ally for the Union in the Bundesrat. But the Greens face pressure to abandon long-held policies or risk collapsing the government.
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