Prepared for the dramatic showdown for Villa Reitzenstein, Hagel stands ready to engage in the contest.
CDU Unveils State List Ahead of Baden-Württemberg Election
Manuel Hagel, the newly elected top candidate of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Baden-Württemberg, has unveiled the party's state list for the upcoming election on March 8. Hagel, who received 93.8% of the votes in the party convention, emphasized his commitment to supporting the middle class and medium-sized businesses as key priorities.
In his party conference speech, Hagel invoked former Minister President Erwin Teufel's quote, "A strong economy is not everything, but without a strong economy, everything else is nothing." This sentiment reflects Hagel's focus on economic issues, particularly those relevant to small and medium enterprises (Mittelstand) and sectors like bus transport and tourism.
Hagel's strategies revolve around strengthening the economic position of the Mittelstand, fostering a business-friendly environment, and supporting sectors that face regional transport and infrastructure challenges. He has shown a commitment to innovation and social responsibility, as reflected in visits to enterprises and social organizations.
In contrast, the Green candidate emphasizes ecological transformation and electromobility for Baden-Württemberg’s automotive industry. However, polls suggest that Hagel and the CDU are currently leading, indicating that their strategies resonate with a portion of voters.
The CDU state list includes Volker Schebesta, State Secretary, and members of parliament Tobias Vogt, Isabell Huber, Thomas Dörflinger, Patrick Rapp, and Ansgar Mayr. Also on the list are Cornelia von Loga and Andreas Deuschle, current state parliamentarians, as well as Theresa Schreiber, a representative of the Young Union, who is running for ninth place in the state list.
Following Hagel in the state list are Nicole Razavi, Marion Gentges, Thomas Strobl, and Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut. Raimund Haser, who addresses energy and climate protection, is the first in the state list.
In addition to his focus on economic issues, Hagel has also proposed innovation zones in the country where rules and regulations are suspended, and a tenth university with a focus on artificial intelligence. He has offered a different tone towards AfD voters, suggesting that they should be offered a bridge back to the bourgeois camp instead of being locked behind walls.
Friedrich Merz, the new chancellor, has praised the Southwest CDU as a great supporter and acknowledged its importance. Merz, who calls for a different approach and style in the federal government, wants to show in the federal government that this government is a team and that the political center can solve problems.
Nina Warken, the Southwest General Secretary, is leaving her position and is the new health minister. Bastian Schneider, a judge at the regional court, is running for sixth place in the state list.
In the shadow of the VfB Stuttgart's stadium, the CDU conference took place, with Merz praising Steffen Bilger and Andreas Jung, who were compensated with influential positions in the faction. The camps within the CDU, such as conservatives against liberals and rural population against urban milieus, are reconciled in the year 2025.
Hagel's vision for Baden-Württemberg also includes becoming "the number one cancer research location." He subtly criticizes the Greens, suggesting that a Minister-President should fly to the USA to woo the best scientific minds. Merz, on the other hand, wants to show in the federal government that this government is a team and that the political center can solve problems, aiming for a change in both politics and style.
- The policy-and-legislation priorities of the CDU in Baden-Württemberg, as outlined by Manuel Hagel, focus on economic issues, innovation, and social responsibility, with an emphasis on supporting small and medium enterprises and sectors like bus transport and tourism.
- The general news regarding the ongoing Baden-Württemberg election includes the unveiling of the CDU's state list, highlighting key figures such as Friedrich Merz, the new chancellor, and the newly elected top candidate Manuel Hagel, who is focusing on issues like strengthening the economy and promoting cancer research.
