Manuel Hagel, the CDU leader in Baden-Württemberg, has issued a strong appeal to members of the Bundestag from both the CDU/CSU and SPD factions following the inconclusive first ballot in the election for Chancellor. He urged them to support Friedrich Merz, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the need for responsible political action. Hagel stressed that the Chancellorship election is not the place for personal feelings or grievances, but rather a forum for demonstrating profound state responsibility. He argued that the collective responsibility to form a stable government outweighs any individual concerns or preferences.
Hagel’s appeal comes at a critical juncture, as Germany faces considerable geopolitical and domestic challenges. He highlighted the urgent need to provide stability to the nation’s democracy, offer reliability to its international partners, and deliver a functioning government to the people of Germany. He underscored that the foundations for a coalition between the CDU, CSU, and SPD are already in place, both in terms of personnel and policy alignment. He asserted that now is the time for these parties to put aside their differences and work together to deliver a government that can effectively address the challenges facing the country.
Hagel, who has ambitions to become Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg in 2026, succeeding Winfried Kretschmann, understands the importance of stability and unity at the federal level. The political climate in Berlin inevitably impacts the political landscape in the individual states, and Hagel’s own prospects are tied to the overall performance and perception of the CDU/CSU at the national level.
His call for unity and responsibility reflects a growing sense of urgency within the CDU, particularly after the first ballot of the Chancellorship election failed to produce a clear winner. The inability to quickly form a government can create uncertainty and instability, which can have negative consequences for the economy, the country’s standing in the international community, and the overall morale of the population. Hagel’s intervention is therefore seen as an attempt to inject a sense of purpose and direction into the political process, and to encourage all parties involved to prioritize the national interest above their own partisan considerations.
The CDU currently leads in the polls in Baden-Württemberg, indicating a strong base of support in the southwestern state. However, Hagel recognizes that the party’s chances in the upcoming state elections in the spring will be significantly influenced by the prevailing political mood at the federal level. A stable and effective government in Berlin would undoubtedly bolster the CDU’s standing in Baden-Württemberg, while continued political uncertainty and gridlock could undermine its prospects.
Hagel’s emphasis on the shared foundations between the CDU, CSU, and SPD suggests that he believes a grand coalition is still a viable option, despite the challenges and potential drawbacks of such an arrangement. Grand coalitions, while often capable of delivering stability, can also lead to voter dissatisfaction and the rise of populist movements, as voters may feel that their concerns are not being adequately represented by the established parties.
However, in the current circumstances, Hagel seems to believe that the benefits of stability and predictability outweigh the risks of a grand coalition. He argues that the country needs a strong and decisive government to navigate the complex challenges it faces, and that a grand coalition is the most realistic path to achieving this outcome.
His appeal to both the CDU/CSU and SPD also reflects an understanding that a successful coalition will require compromise and concessions from all sides. No single party can expect to get everything it wants, and a willingness to negotiate and find common ground will be essential to forging a durable and effective governing alliance.
Hagel’s remarks underscore the high stakes involved in the Chancellorship election and the subsequent formation of a government. The decisions made in the coming weeks and months will have a profound impact on the future of Germany, and it is therefore imperative that all political actors act with responsibility and a commitment to the national interest. Hagel’s intervention is a clear indication that he is determined to play a constructive role in this process and to help ensure that Germany emerges from this period of political uncertainty with a strong and stable government. The reference to "geopolitically wie auch innenpolitisch aufgewühlten Zeiten" is not accidental; it emphasizes the dual challenge of international instability and internal political turbulence, requiring a steady hand at the helm of the nation. The mention of Hagel’s ambition to succeed Kretschmann is a subtle reminder of his long-term vision for Baden-Württemberg and the importance of a supportive federal government in achieving his goals. His call to "liefern" (deliver) is a direct challenge to all parties involved to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete action to form a government. The emphasis on "Stabilität, Verlässlichkeit und eine funktionierende Regierung" showcases what he believes are the key requirements of the moment.
