Ödemir's Greens clear ahead: poll in Baden-Württemberg gives the CDU a low blow

A recent survey shows the Greens, led by Cem Özdemir, maintaining their lead in Baden-Württemberg while the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) faces a sharp decline in popularity. The findings highlight a significant shift in voter sentiment nearly six months after the March state election. The Greens currently hold 30 percent approval, matching their performance during the March election, which saw them narrowly edge out the CDU with a half percentage point advantage. However, the CDU has dropped significantly, now at 23 percent in the latest poll. Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has surged to 23 percent, marking its highest level yet. The Social Democrats (SPD) have shown improvement, rising to seven percent, up from a historic low of 5.5 percent in March. The Left Party, which previously failed to clear the five percent threshold, now stands at six percent. Conversely, the Free Democratic Party (FDP) continues to struggle, remaining below the five percent mark with just 4.4 percent. Support for Özdemir remains high, with 58 percent of respondents expressing satisfaction with his work. By contrast, CDU leader Manuel Hagel receives only 31 percent approval, with 37 percent dissatisfied. Notably, 68 percent of CDU supporters rate Özdemir favorably, compared to 61 percent who approve of Hagel’s performance. The Greens and CDU continue their third coalition government in Baden-Württemberg, with Özdemir serving as minister-president following three terms by Winfried Kretschmann. The survey underscores ongoing challenges for the CDU amid shifting political dynamics in the region.