Baden-Württemberg Court Bars FDP from Participating in SWR Triell

Bassyonni

Published: February 12, 2026 11:59 AM ET

A recent ruling from the Stuttgart Administrative Court has significant implications for the upcoming SWR TV triell ahead of the Baden-Württemberg state elections. The court decided that the Free Democratic Party (FDP) would not participate in the live televised debate, which will instead feature candidates from the Green Party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), and the Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Baden-Württemberg Court Bars FDP from Participating in SWR Triell

Scheduled for February 24, the SWR triell aims to engage viewers with discussions among the leading political candidates. The invited representatives are:

Manuel Hagel (CDU)
Cem Özdemir (Greens)
Markus Frohnmaier (AfD)

The FDP had sought an expedited legal process to demand inclusion in the broadcast but was unsuccessful. The Stuttgart Administrative Court stated that the FDP does not have a right to participate in this debate format.

Context of the Ruling

The court emphasized that the SWR’s decision aligns with the principle of equitable opportunity among parties based on their significance within the political landscape. The evaluation of a party’s relevance encompasses not just prior election results but also current polling data and recent developments.

Recent surveys indicate that the CDU leads the Green Party by several percentage points, with the AfD following closely. The court noted that the three invited parties have a legitimate chance of surpassing 20 percent in the upcoming elections, thus justifying their exclusion of the FDP from this debate.

Future Developments

The FDP’s legal options are not yet exhausted. Although the ruling is not final, the party can appeal to the Administrative Court of Appeals. It remains unclear whether the FDP will pursue this matter further.

In a related event on February 26, the SWR will host a separate program, the “Wahlarena,” inviting representatives from all parties with a realistic chance of entering the state parliament in the elections on March 8.

This decision highlights the current political dynamics in Baden-Württemberg, as the FDP must contend with its challenges regarding voter support and representation in the state’s political debates.