After Gushing Over Girl: Wife Defends CDU Top Candidate Hagel - Manuel Hagel's 'dow eyes' remark resurfaces, sparking fresh political backlash
A resurfaced eight-year-old video has reignited criticism of CDU politician Manuel Hagel. In the clip, he praised a young girl's 'dow eyes', a remark that once damaged his public image. His wife, Franziska Hagel, has now spoken out in his defence, calling the backlash unexpected.
The controversy first flared during the 2021 Baden-Württemberg state election campaign. Hagel's comment, described by some as sexist, contributed to a sharp drop in CDU support. Polls showed the party's lead over the Greens shrink from six points to just one. His personal approval also fell, with only 19% favouring him directly compared to 30% for Greens candidate Cem Özdemir. A later survey placed the Greens at 27%, nearly matching the CDU.
Franziska Hagel admitted she found her husband's remark 'just not good' at the time. Yet she insisted his words were often taken out of context, describing his style as 'playful and anecdotal'. She stressed that he used personal stories to connect with voters, rather than intending offence. Despite the criticism, she stood firmly by him, declaring she would 'marry him again in a heartbeat'. She called him 'a true equal partner' and expressed surprise at the lasting reaction to an old video.
No similar incidents involving other CDU politicians have been widely reported in Germany. The focus has remained on Hagel's case and its impact on his political career.
The video's re-emergence has brought renewed attention to Hagel's past controversy. His wife's defence highlights the ongoing debate over his communication style. The incident continues to shape perceptions of the politician years after it first surfaced.
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