On the evening of a campaign rally in Metzingen at the end of January, a possible arson attack targeting Green Party Spitzenkandidat Cem Özdemir was averted when a bodyguard extinguished a burning plastic tube hidden in the timber of a historic cellar.
Investigation launched
The Landeskriminalamt and the Staatsschutzzentrum at the Generalstaatsanwaltschaft Stuttgart have taken over the case, treating it as a suspected attempted serious arson with a possible political motive. No suspects have been publicly identified.
Political context
Cem Özdemir, former federal minister of agriculture and longtime Green Party figure, is running as the party’s lead candidate in the Baden‑Württemberg Landtag election scheduled for 8 March 2026. He aims to succeed Winfried Kretschmann as Minister‑President.
Özdemir learned of the incident only after the rally, thanking the police for their vigilance. He said, “Zum Glück ist der brennende Gegenstand schnell gefunden worden,” and emphasized that “Wahlkampf heißt für mich an erster Stelle, vor Ort zu sein, das Gespräch zu suchen.” He added, “Denn wo der offene Austausch angegriffen wird, steht die Basis unserer Demokratie auf dem Spiel.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was found at the rally?
Security staff discovered a plastic tube filled with flammable material lodged between the wooden beams of the historic cellar, which had ignited and caused the wood to become charred.
Who is handling the investigation?
The state criminal police (Landeskriminalamt) together with the State Protection Center at the General Prosecutor’s Office in Stuttgart are conducting the investigation.
How might the incident affect the upcoming election?
While no motive has been confirmed, the incident could raise concerns about campaign security and may influence public perception of safety ahead of the 8 March vote.
What impact could this episode have on voter confidence as the election approaches?
