In a recent interview, Cem Özdemir, the leading candidate for the position of Minister-President in the 2026 state elections in Baden-Württemberg, warned the Green Party against an approach to the Left Party. Özdemir emphasized that the Greens have their own distinct approach to social justice, focusing on upward mobility, life chances and strong public infrastructure, rather than copying the Left Party’s policies.
Winfried Kretschmann, the outgoing Minister-President, also stressed the need for the Greens to differentiate themselves from the Left Party. He warned that if the Greens adopt the Left’s rhetoric, they should not be surprised if voters opt for the original, the Left Party, instead. Kretschmann emphasized the importance of the Greens maintaining a strong presence in the state, with a Minister-President and urged the party to support Özdemir and his course in the upcoming election campaign.
In contrast, some Green Party representatives see the Left Party’s current strength as an inspiration. Timon Dzienus, a Bundestag member from Lower Saxony, believes the Left Party’s approach to sharpening and personalizing their message can be a valuable lesson for the Greens. He pointed out that the Greens currently lack the “relaxed atmosphere” and familiar faces that the Left Party has and that the Greens should not underestimate the importance of forming a strategic alliance with the Left.
Jakob Blasel, the co-leader of the Green Youth, criticized the Greens for often being perceived as “people-pleasers” who try to please everyone and ultimately neglect their own convictions. He urged the party to learn to take a clear stance in conflicts between the rich and the poor, adopting a more “either-or” approach rather than a “both-and” one.