German state election set to have far-reaching consequences

"Since 2016, the state of Baden-Wurttemberg in southwestern Germany has been governed by the environmentalist Greens and the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU). A few days before the election, polls show those two parties running neck and neck. The current head of government, Premier Winfried Kretschmann of the Greens, will turn 78 in May and is not running for re-election."

"Should the CDU win the election, this would represent a return to tradition for this economically powerful state and its approximately 11 million residents. From the early 1950s, Baden-Wurttemberg was governed by the CDU. That is, until 2011, when Winfried Kretschmann ended that political legacy."

"Baden-Wurttemberg is one of Europe's strongest and most competitive regions economically. Unemployment is low, and the state is famous for its car manufacturers, such as Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. It is also known for its many successful family-owned companies. Of the 1,000 largest in Germany, 190 are located in Baden-Wurttemberg."

Baden-Württemberg, a southwestern German state of 11 million residents, faces a pivotal election on March 8. The environmentalist Greens and conservative CDU have governed together since 2016. Current Premier Winfried Kretschmann of the Greens, who broke the CDU's 60-year governing streak in 2011, is not seeking re-election at age 78. Polls show the CDU with a slight lead, but the Greens remain competitive. The state is economically powerful, featuring major car manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, plus 190 of Germany's 1,000 largest companies. The Greens maintain strong support in both urban centers like Stuttgart and rural areas. Green candidate Cem Özdemir, former federal agriculture minister, has significantly narrowed the polling gap.

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