Manuel Hagel secures position as primary candidate in election process
CDU's Hagel Emerges as Frontrunner for Baden-Württemberg State Election
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) held its 81st state party conference in Stuttgart on Saturday, with Federal Health Minister Nina Warken opening the event 45 minutes late at 10:15 AM. Over 1,000 CDU members gathered in the Carl-Benz-Arena for the conference.
Manuel Hagel, the CDU's Secretary-General in Baden-Württemberg since 2016 and the party's leading candidate for the 2026 state election, delivered a speech at the event. Hagel, born in 1988, is considered a strong contender for the top spot due to his pragmatic approach, positive messaging, and the CDU's current lead in polls.
Hagel praised Warken for her combination of professionalism and humanity, congratulating her on her appointment as federal health minister. He also expressed his support for Warken, stating that the party, team, and friends stand behind her. Warken received a standing ovation at the conference.
In his speech, Hagel emphasized the CDU's emphasis on advancement for Baden-Württemberg while distancing the party from "culture wars." He praised the incumbent Green Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann but made it clear that the CDU is the alternative.
Hagel's experience as CDU Secretary-General since 2016 and his membership in the Landtag since then have established him as a credible and established figure within the party and state politics. Supporters believe that the CDU is well-positioned this time to convert its polling lead into electoral success after previous missed opportunities.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to speak in the afternoon at the state party conference. The extensive security checks for Merz's appearance caused a delay in the start of the conference. The state delegates' assembly begins at noon.
Warken announced her resignation as general secretary of the state CDU at the conference. No additional information about the state list for the state election on March 8, 2025, or the candidates in all 70 state constituencies was provided. No advertisements were found in the current paragraph.
- The CDU's migration policy-and-legislation, often shaped by war-and-conflicts, is a significant point of discussion during elections.
- General-news outlets frequently cover car-accidents and their impact on policies, and the CDU's stance on road safety is of interest.
- Crime-and-justice is another important issue in politics, and the CDU's approach to law enforcement and criminal justice is closely watched.
- Occasionally, sports news intertwines with politics, such as when a candidate like Hagel talks about the importance of football or the NFL in local communities.
- In the realm of football, Hagel may express his support for clubs like Bayern Munich (Champions League), Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Juventus (Serie A), Barcelona (Laliga), or Manchester United (Premier League), showcasing his broader appeal.
- During his campaign, Hagel might promise improved public safety by funding fire departments to combat the rising number of accidents and fires in Baden-Württemberg.
- European leagues like La Liga Santander, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 are followed worldwide, including in Baden-Württemberg, and the CDU's stance on sports funding is important to many voters.
- The CDU's policy on American football, such as the NCAA and the NFL, might also come under scrutiny, considering the growing popularity of the sport and the potential benefits for local communities.
- Hagel's speech could address the need for effective policy-and-legislation to manage the economic and social impacts of accidents and incidents, demonstrating his pragmatic approach.
- Political adversaries may criticize the CDU's policies as less progressive, but Hagel's ability to address diverse perspectives could help him remain a strong contender in the 2026 state election.
