CDU's Manuel Hagel Unveils Hardline Security Plan Ahead of Baden-Württemberg Election

As the Baden-Württemberg state election approaches on March 14, 2026, CDU candidate Manuel Hagel is pushing a stringent five-point security program aimed at curbing street crime and enhancing public safety. After seeing his lead narrow significantly—from a 14-point margin last autumn to just one point ahead of Green candidate Cem Özdemir—Hagel is intensifying focus on law-and-order issues.

Central to Hagel's plan is the expansion of video surveillance across municipalities, employing artificial intelligence to pinpoint genuine threats while respecting local input on camera locations. He also proposes a real-time coordination center to foster closer cooperation between federal and state police forces, improving crime response capabilities.

Additionally, Hagel intends to combat public drug use, graffiti, and street littering by introducing stricter fines and mandating prompt graffiti removal to restore public order and cleanliness. Claiming that "true safety must be felt in the gut," he underscores the personal sense of security as a campaign cornerstone.

The security theme dominates the CDU campaign as the election tightens, highlighting the party's effort to sway undecided voters concerned about urban disorder. While the Greens maintain their campaign, current polling reflects a highly competitive race for control of Baden-Württemberg's regional government in this pivotal vote.