After the CDU’s narrow defeat in Baden‑Württemberg’s state election, Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly targeted the Green Party. He said he was alarmed by reports he had received from the region that the campaign had led to “personal injuries” against the incumbent Minister‑President Manuel Hagel, claiming that a group of Green Bundestag members had run a smear campaign that extended even to his family. Merz further noted that these same Greens had later taken to demonstrating against “hate and propaganda” online.
Despite the criticism, the CDU said it remains willing to engage in talks with the Greens in Baden‑Württemberg. Merz stressed that any agreement must reflect the party’s electoral gains and the equal number of seats, and that it should be reflected in the governing policy and, if possible, in a coalition pact.
Merz’s attention has now shifted to the upcoming election in Rhineland‑Palatinate in two weeks. He urged those hoping for a CDU victory there to cast both of their votes for the CDU, arguing that supporters of the FDP, the Free Voters, or the AfD would ultimately bear responsibility if a “red‑red‑green” coalition came to power. Specifically, he said the FDP had left the German political stage “since yesterday” and would play no role anymore; a four‑percent vote share is, according to Merz, “at least one percent too low for the CDU”. He therefore called on FDP voters to back the CDU in Rhineland‑Palatinate to facilitate a change in the ministry’s leadership.
Regarding the federal government, Merz claims the results in the states will not affect the existing coalition. He has already phoned SPD leaders Bärbel Bas and Lars Klingbeil, stating, “We agree that this outcome will not impact the coalition here in Berlin. We will continue our work”.