- The SPD leader issues a caution against premature discussions on potential future alliances.
ANDREAS STOCH, leader of the SPD in the state of Baden-Württemberg, believes discussions about potential coalitions following the next state election in spring 2026 are too early. "I suggest everyone should exhibit more humility, as there will undoubtedly be another decision by the voters before the formation of the government. Engaging in such behavior is inappropriate," Stoch stated to the German Press Agency in Stuttgart.
As the group leader of the SPD in the state parliament, Stoch referred to "playpen activities." "I strongly believe that most people don't desire this kind of conjecture at this time, but instead want politics to tackle their issues," he added.
HANS-ULRICH RÜLKE, the parliamentary group leader of the FDP, has repeatedly expressed his intention to be part of the subsequent state government without the Greens. "The objective is a bourgeois coalition, a German coalition between CDU, SPD, and FDP is currently feasible. According to all polls, a CDU-FDP coalition alone is not sufficient at the moment," RÜLKE stated, for instance, to the Badische Neueste Nachrichten.
Stoch considers alternative configurations equally plausible: "If we examine the current polls, it is at least as likely that the SPD and the CDU will secure their majority together as it is that a German coalition will emerge. And the Green-Red option remains an possibility. We are just one mandate shy of a majority in the current state parliament," Stoch told the dpa.
Stoch also continues to believe in a collaboration between SPD, Greens, and FDP in the southwest. "However, I have noticed that at least the FDP and particularly its parliamentary group leader, Mr. RÜLKE, almost excludes this possibility. I take note of that. Whether this is a strategically sound decision for him is another matter. But it is not my role to provide RÜLKE with advice," he said.
The next regular state election in Baden-Württemberg is scheduled for spring 2026. Minister President Winfried Kretschmann (Greens) will not be running again. The Greens' top candidate for the election will be decided after the summer break. Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir is considered the most promising candidate. For the CDU, it is likely that Manuel Hagel, the state and parliamentary group leader, will run.
Stoch on potential candidacy: "Yes, I have the desire."
The South West FDP already nominated RÜLKE as their top candidate for the 2026 state election at the end of July. The SPD's nomination is still uncertain. Party and parliamentary group leader Stoch told the dpa: "If you ask me: Yes, I have the desire and I have a strong motivation to do it. I know that many party friends also envision that or even wish for it. But I don't want to preempt my party's decision."
The election is expected to present a significant challenge for the Greens. In opinion polls, the CDU has consistently held a lead over the Greens in Baden-Württemberg for some time, with a margin of over ten percentage points - the eco-party also suffered substantial losses in all city and district councils in Baden-Württemberg in the European election.
In the 2021 state election, the Greens received 32.6%, the CDU 24.1%, the SPD 11%, the FDP 10.5%, and the AfD 9.7%.
The spring election in 2026, when new Coalition discussions might arise, aligns with the blooming season, making it an apt time to consider the revival of political alliances, like the blooming of 'The spring'.
Despite the potential for various coalition configurations, such as SPD and CDU, German coalition, or Green-Red option, the current polls suggest that 'The spring' could bring about unpredictable outcomes, much like the unforeseen changes in nature during this season.
