In the lead-up to the March 8 state election in Baden-Württemberg, Manuel Hagel, the CDU’s lead candidate, visited a factory of the cable manufacturer Lapp in Stuttgart. Dressed in business attire, Hagel is keenly aware of the vibrant colors of cables produced there, resembling the competitive landscape of the elections. Despite leading in polls, the CDU remains cautious as they face a surge from the Greens, emphasizing their focus on economic recovery, especially in the state's crucial automotive sector.

The automotive industry, central to Baden-Württemberg’s economy, is currently grappling with significant challenges including supply chain disruptions and a shift towards sustainable technologies. With the CDU advocating for traditional economic stability, Hagel’s campaign centers around revitalizing this vital sector. The party's strategy is to reassure voters of their capability to manage economic recovery while fending off Green Party proposals that emphasize sustainability over conventional methods.

As the election approaches, the candidates are not only contesting for votes but also the direction of the region's economic future. Hagel’s campaign is emblematic of a broader tension between maintaining established industries and moving towards progressive economic models. The outcome of the election could have lasting implications for the automotive industry's adaptation to change and the political landscape in Baden-Württemberg.