Germany elects first state premier with Turkish heritage

Cem Özdemir has become the first leader of a German federal state with Turkish roots, following his Green Party's electoral victory in Baden-Württemberg, the wealthy southwestern region home to major industrial and automotive sectors.

Özdemir's election reflects changing demographics in Germany and growing political representation of citizens with immigrant backgrounds. Baden-Württemberg is Germany's third-largest economy by GDP and a powerhouse in manufacturing and technology.

The result signals shifting voter preferences toward Green Party priorities on climate and energy policy in a key industrial region.