Old video of CDU's Manuel Hagel sparks election storm in Baden-Württemberg
A controversial eight-year-old video of CDU politician Manuel Hagel has resurfaced during the 2026 Baden-Württemberg election campaign. The clip, in which Hagel described a schoolgirl's appearance, triggered fierce criticism from opponents and social media. Federal health minister Nina Warken has since defended him, calling the backlash a possible election tactic.
The 2016 video showed Hagel recounting a school visit where he focused on a girl named Eva, mentioning her rehbraune Augen (doe-brown eyes). Critics, including Green politicians and climate activists, condemned the remarks as inappropriate. A newer 2026 clip of Hagel clashing with a teacher during another school visit then went viral, drawing thousands of shares and intensifying the backlash.
Hagel addressed the controversy by admitting the original comment was a mistake and that he would not phrase it the same way today. Despite this, the CDU's poll lead over the Greens temporarily narrowed. Figures like Karl Lauterbach joined the criticism, contributing to the party's eventual second-place finish behind Cem Özdemir's Greens.
Warken, chair of the CDU's Women's Union, praised Hagel as a responsible politician with modern views on gender equality. She suggested the timing of the controversy might be a deliberate campaign strategy to undermine his reputation.
The resurfaced video and subsequent criticism had a measurable impact on the election. The CDU lost ground to the Greens, finishing behind them in Baden-Württemberg. Hagel's remarks, though later disowned, became a focal point in the campaign's final weeks.
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