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Greens eye 2026 victory in Baden-Württemberg with Özdemir at the helm

A party born from protest now rules Germany's southwest. Can Cem Özdemir's vision for climate action and economic resilience secure another historic win in 2026?

The image shows a German propaganda poster for the Nazi Party featuring two men sitting on a couch....
The image shows a German propaganda poster for the Nazi Party featuring two men sitting on a couch. The poster has text written on it, likely providing information about the party.

Greens eye 2026 victory in Baden-Württemberg with Özdemir at the helm

The Greens have deep roots in Baden-Württemberg, where they first secured seats in a state parliament in 1980. Since then, the party has grown into a dominant political force, shaping regional and national politics. Their influence continues to expand as they prepare for the 2026 state election with Cem Özdemir as their candidate for minister-president. The party emerged in 1980 from the anti-nuclear, peace, and women’s rights movements of the 1970s. Initially named The Greens, it later merged with Alliance 90 in 1990, solidifying its place in German politics. By 1983, the Greens had entered the Bundestag, becoming the country’s fourth major party.

In Baden-Württemberg, their rise has been particularly strong. Winfried Kretschmann, a Green, has served as minister-president since 2011. The party became the strongest in the state in both the 2016 and 2021 elections, reflecting its growing appeal. The Greens push for left-leaning economic policies and progressive social reforms. They also firmly reject any cooperation with the far-right AfD. Looking ahead, their 2026 campaign focuses on making the region more resilient by tackling the climate crisis and fostering sustainable economic growth.

With Cem Özdemir now leading their 2026 campaign, the Greens aim to maintain their dominance in Baden-Württemberg. Their long-term goals include climate action, economic stability, and a clear stance against far-right collaboration. The party’s trajectory suggests it will remain a key player in the state’s political future.

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