Jörg Meuthen, who rose to prominence within the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, is now seeking a comeback in Baden-Württemberg as the Spitzenkandidat for the Values Union. After joining the AfD shortly after the 2013 Bundestag elections, he quickly climbed the ranks due to his academic background in economics and a calm demeanor that appealed to voters. He became co-leader of the AfD and led the party to its first entry into the Baden-Württemberg state parliament with a significant 15.1% of the vote in 2016.

Despite his successful tenure with the AfD, Meuthen's political journey has taken a turn as he now opposes the party that once championed him. His current candidacy with the Values Union highlights a shift in his political stance and strategy, as he positions himself against the very party he once represented. This move not only marks a significant personal and political transformation but also reflects the broader divisions within right-wing politics in Germany.

Meuthen's past as a professor who represented a more moderate face of the AfD contrasts sharply with his new role as an adversary, suggesting a broader critique of the party's direction. The upcoming elections in Baden-Württemberg could serve as a pivotal moment for both Meuthen and the political landscape in Germany, particularly as he seeks to attract disenchanted voters from the AfD and reinvigorate his political career under a different banner.