The recent election in the German state of Baden-Württemberg clearly demonstrated how strongly regional decisions influence national political dynamics. On 8 March 2026, around 7.7 million citizens elected a new state parliament. According to the provisional results, the Greens once again emerged as the strongest force with 30.2 per cent, closely followed by the conservative CDU with 29.7 per cent. The far-right party AfD made significant gains, reaching 18.8 per cent, whilst the social democratic SPD fell back to 5.5 per cent. The liberal FDP and the far-left Die Linke party failed to secure any seats.]
2026 is regarded as a ‘super-election year’ since alongside several local and regional state elections, key decisions and important strategic choices lie ahead in Germany’s political landscape. For businesses and associations, this raises not only the question of potential political shifts – it is also crucial to consider the impact that election cycles have on political processes and the representation of interests.
Super-election year 2026 not so super for Germany?
At federal level, it is already evident that election years slow down reforms. Coalitions come under pressure, compromises become more difficult to reach, and key projects such as administrative modernisation, digitalisation or location policy make only slow progress. In a super-election year, this effect is further exacerbated.
Political polarisation, pressure to stand out and internal party dynamics often lead to a reform backlog, manifesting in longer decision-making processes, stalled legislative procedures and a reduced willingness to pursue unpopular but necessary reforms. For stakeholders, this means less planning certainty, and political windows of opportunity for exerting influence become smaller and more unpredictable.
At the same time, practical experience shows that many companies focus almost exclusively on federal politics – often in the expectation that all economic challenges will be resolved there. Yet this view falls short. Ultimately, the same applies to business, politics and society alike: challenges can only be overcome together. Advocacy therefore means not only formulating demands on politicians, but also making one’s own contributions visible, seeking cooperation and actively helping to shape solutions.
Why state elections are so important for businesses
It would also be a mistake to dismiss state elections as purely regional events. The larger federal states in particular possess considerable administrative capacity and their own scope for action. Whether it be permits, planning procedures, energy regulation or educational infrastructure – much of what is crucial for businesses in their day-to-day operations is shaped and implemented at state level. Changes in state governments can therefore have a direct impact on projects, investments and regulatory frameworks.
Barometer of public sentiment and strategic early warning system
State elections also serve as a barometer of political sentiment. They reflect social trends, conflicts and expectations that later gain significance at federal level too. For active campaigning – whether in agenda setting, stakeholder communications or dialogue formats – it is therefore essential to take regional sentiments seriously and incorporate them strategically.
Shaping public affairs in a multidimensional way
The example of Baden-Württemberg shows that state elections are not merely regional events – they are a strategic factor within the overall political landscape. Even beyond the 2026 super-election year, public affairs work must remain multidimensional – informed by federal politics, anchored in regional politics and with a clear stance that not only demands but also delivers.
Bernd Buschhausen, Managing Director
H/Advisors Deekeling Arndt