Chancellor Friedrich Merz traveled to southern Germany this week to launch a crucial round of campaigning for the state elections, aiming to secure an early win in Baden-Württemberg — the first of five state votes in 2026. His itinerary included talks in Munich with leaders of four major business organisations before a campaign stop in Ravensburg alongside CDU candidate Manuel Hagel.
In Munich, Merz met representatives from the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations, the Federation of German Industries, the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce and the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts. The discussions focused on measures to revive a sluggish economy that the federal government now expects to expand by only about 1% this year. Participants also discussed risks from the Middle East conflict, which is pushing up energy prices and complicating trade.
Tight race in Baden-Württemberg
A recent survey by Forschungsgruppe Wahlen for ZDF showed the Greens and the CDU neck-and-neck at roughly 28% each in Baden-Württemberg, narrowing what had been a clearer advantage for the CDU. The Greens have gained momentum behind Cem Özdemir, a well-known local figure: 47% of respondents preferred Özdemir as minister-president, compared with 24% for Hagel. Although the Greens and CDU are still widely expected to govern together, it remains unclear which party would lead the next administration.
This election has added significance: longtime Green premier Winfried Kretschmann is stepping down after 15 years; 16- and 17-year-olds may vote for the first time; and a reformed electoral system will give voters two ballots, one for constituency candidates and one for party lists. Economic concerns dominate the campaign in an industrial state that hosts major carmakers like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche as the auto industry undergoes deep restructuring.
National stakes and smaller parties
A poor showing for the CDU in Baden-Württemberg would be politically awkward for Merz and could foreshadow challenges across upcoming state contests. Polls put the far-right AfD at about 18% in the state, the SPD near 8%, while the FDP and the Left hover around the entry threshold at roughly 5–6%.
Protests and youth mobilisation
Thousands of young people joined a nationwide “School Strike Against Conscription,” protesting any moves toward mandatory military service. In Berlin authorities opened an inquiry after an 18-year-old student displayed a vulgar poster targeting Chancellor Merz at one demonstration; police confiscated the sign and said they were investigating potential defamation of a political figure. The protests underline youth concern over conscription and come as a new cohort of younger voters enters the electorate.
Energy and economic snapshots
Official 2025 energy data showed gas and solar making record contributions to Germany’s electricity mix. Gas-fired plants generated 70.6 billion kWh, about 16.1% of supply, the highest share on record, while photovoltaics produced 70.1 billion kWh, roughly 16%. Wind remained the largest source at around 30%, followed by coal at 22.1%. The figures highlight the country’s transition challenges: renewables are growing, but planners and ministers are also adding gas capacity to stabilise the grid when wind and solar underperform. Germany plans to phase out coal by 2038.
Business moves and travel disruption
German media group Axel Springer agreed to buy the Telegraph Media Group from investor RedBird IMI for £575 million, saying it will invest in the Telegraph brand and expand in English-speaking markets, including the US. Meanwhile, Lufthansa warned that the Middle East conflict has raised uncertainty for its revenue outlook after regional airspace closures disrupted global routes. The airline noted a noticeable shift in demand, with long-haul bookings rising as passengers seek alternative, safer itineraries.
What’s next
Merz’s southern tour and meetings with business leaders are meant to signal seriousness on jobs and growth ahead of the state ballots. The outcome in Baden-Württemberg is likely to influence not just the state government but also the wider national political momentum as Germany heads into a busy election year.