CDU Spitzenkandidat Manuel Hagel in Baden-Württemberg has defended his behavior during a televised encounter with a teacher. Hagel stated to Welt that sometimes, “in the heat of the moment,” one says something they later wish they had phrased more kindly, adding, “I’m not a robot, but a human with normal feelings.”
The exchange occurred during a segment on ARD’s Mittagsmagazin, where a teacher at a school Hagel was visiting posed a question to him. Hagel interrupted her and responded, “Now I’m talking to the students.”
Hagel explained that the students in the class had many important questions they wanted to discuss. He added that what was not shown was that the teacher had interrupted him several times prior, and he simply stated his desire to speak with the children, as that is the purpose of a school visit.
Teacher Criticized Previous Government Policy
The television team accompanied Hagel as part of a series featuring the leading candidates for the Landtagswahl. The segment, broadcast on Monday, showed the 37-year-old during a two-hour visit to a comprehensive school in Stuttgart. The teacher, whose class he visited, expressed criticism of Hagel and repeatedly asked questions, including those related to the CDU’s proposal for a contribution-free mandatory year of kindergarten.
Hagel was previously under scrutiny at the complete of February due to a several-year-old interview following a school visit. During that interview, Hagel stated the class was 80 percent female, adding, “so there are worse appointments for a 29-year-old member of parliament than this one.” He recalled a student asking him a question he would “never forget,” and mentioned her first name and described her appearance as having “brown hair, deer-brown eyes.”
Hagel is running for the CDU in the Landtag election in Baden-Württemberg. The latest ZDF Politbarometer shows the CDU and the Greens tied at 28 percent. Following the election, a coalition government between the two parties is possible, with the strongest party likely to appoint the Minister President. The Green’s leading candidate is Cem Özdemir.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Manuel Hagel say to the teacher?
Hagel interrupted the teacher and told her, “Now I’m talking to the students.”
What was the teacher critical of?
The teacher was critical of the CDU’s policies and questioned whether the party would follow through on its campaign promises.
What is the current polling situation in Baden-Württemberg?
The CDU and the Greens are currently tied in the polls at 28 percent, according to the ZDF Politbarometer.
How might these recent events influence voters as they head to the polls on Sunday?
