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In the lead-up to the 2026 state election in Baden-Württemberg, Andreas Stoch and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) have unveiled a clear policy focus, aiming to return to government after a decade in opposition. The party's campaign centres around strengthening the economy, addressing housing shortages, enhancing education, and fostering socially responsible industrial policies.
Economic competence is at the heart of the SPD's campaign, with Andreas Stoch positioning the party as a credible governing force capable of managing economic challenges. The party's pragmatic and socially balanced approach to economic development is evident in Stoch's criticism of cutbacks in public services that affect people's sense of security.
Housing is another key issue for the SPD. With Baden-Württemberg facing a significant housing problem due to insufficient state government action, the party intends to prioritise increasing housing availability and improving affordability and living conditions. Precise proposals for housing policy have not yet been detailed, but the emphasis on housing suggests an intent to expand construction and regulate the market to benefit residents.
As a former Kultusminister (Minister of Education) in the green-red coalition government, Andreas Stoch brings expertise in education policy. Education remains a central campaign issue for the SPD, with a likely focus on strengthening the public education system, improving schools, and ensuring equal educational opportunities, continuing the social-democratic tradition of investing in education as a means to promote social justice.
The SPD's approach to industrial policy integrates support for a modern, socially responsible industrial sector aligned with economic growth and sustainability. The party intends to balance innovation and tradition in Baden-Württemberg’s strong industrial base, likely advocating for policies that support industrial modernization and job security in line with social democratic values.
Specific detailed policy proposals will likely emerge as the campaign develops closer to the 2026 election. In the meantime, Andreas Stoch has emphasised the need for active industrial policy to manage structural change and improve location conditions for businesses. The SPD also stands for ensuring no one is left behind, focusing on working people, jobs, affordable housing, and social cohesion.
Andreas Stoch is running as the SPD's top candidate in the Southwest for the second time in March 2026. The party aims to become as strong as possible in the election, and the outcome of coalition possibilities depends on the voters. All options are kept open before elections, including a potential coalition with parties across the democratic spectrum, excluding the AfD.
Sources: [1] https://www.spd-bw.de/aktuell/kampagnen-und-themen/kampagnen-2026/ [2] https://www.spd-bw.de/aktuell/kampagnen-und-themen/kampagnen-2026/kampagnen-themen/ [3] https://www.spd-bw.de/aktuell/kampagnen-und-themen/kampagnen-2026/kampagnen-themen/soziales-und-sozialpolitik/
- Andreas Stoch, running as the SPD's top candidate, has highlighted the party's focus on innovation, as they aim to foster a modern, socially responsible industrial sector that aligns with economic growth and sustainability.
- The SPD's vision for education-and-self-development encompasses strengthening the public education system, enhancing schools, and ensuring equal educational opportunities, all in an effort to promote social justice.
- In line with their commitment to personal-growth and general-news, the party intends to prioritize affordable housing and improve living conditions for residents, which they view as vital components of social cohesion.
