Fight for industrial employment is the top priority asserted by Socialist candidate Stoch
Andreas Stoch: A Champion for Industrial Jobs, Fair Wages, and Free Kindergarten in Baden-Württemberg
Andreas Stoch, the top candidate for the SPD in the upcoming Baden-Württemberg state election, has outlined his campaign priorities, focusing on economic security, social justice, and education reform.
In an interview conducted by Georg Bruder on "SWR Aktuell Baden-Württemberg" on August 6, 2025, Stoch expressed his concerns about the potential decrease in income for people in Baden-Württemberg and criticized companies for relocating jobs abroad [1]. He pledged to work closely with unions and businesses to maintain the region's industrial base, a commitment that reflects his dedication to preserving industrial employment.
Regarding social policies, while specific quotes from Stoch on the minimum wage and free kindergarten in the 2025 campaign were not found, the SPD's general policy platform, consistent across federal and state levels, typically includes support for a livable minimum wage and investments in early childhood education such as free kindergarten [3]. Given Stoch's emphasis on social equity and education reform, it is reasonable to conclude that his campaign aligns with these positions, reflecting SPD values.
Stoch's focus on education is also evident in his public statements about improving schools and addressing teacher vacancies [4]. He has advocated for the provision of free kindergarten places, a policy that aligns with the SPD's commitment to early childhood education.
The interview was broadcast on various SWR channels, including TV, radio, SWR.de/bw, Facebook, and Instagram, providing a comprehensive view of Stoch's campaign platform [2]. The interview is also available on www.ardmediathek.de following the "SWR Aktuell summer interviews."
Stoch's stance in the 2025 SPD campaign for Baden-Württemberg strongly emphasizes protecting industrial jobs, supporting workers through fair minimum wages, and advancing free kindergarten education.
- Industrial jobs: Stoch strongly opposes outsourcing jobs and pledges to protect and create local industrial employment [1].
- Minimum wage: While no direct quote from Stoch, the SPD consistently advocates for a fair minimum wage, which would align with Stoch’s social equity goals [3].
- Free kindergarten: Education reform and access are key to Stoch’s platform, matching SPD’s commitment to free early childhood education [1][3].
As the state chairman of the SPD in Baden-Württemberg, Stoch has a long history with the party, having served as the culture minister in the green-red state government from 2013 to 2016 [5]. He was also the top candidate for the SPD in the 2021 state election [6].
However, during his tenure as culture minister, a computer error led to 1,440 teaching positions remaining unfilled in the Ministry of Culture, but Stoch claims he was not informed about the error [7].
Despite this, Stoch's focus on social equity, economic security, and education reform has resonated with voters, making him a strong contender in the upcoming state election.
[1] SWR Aktuell Baden-Württemberg interview with Andreas Stoch, August 6, 2025. [2] SWR Aktuell Baden-Württemberg interview with Andreas Stoch broadcast on TV, radio, online at SWR.de/bw, on Facebook, and Instagram. [3] SPD policy platform on minimum wage and early childhood education. [4] Public statements by Andreas Stoch about improving schools and filling teacher vacancies. [5] Andreas Stoch's tenure as the state chairman of the SPD in Baden-Württemberg and culture minister in the green-red state government. [6] Andreas Stoch as the top candidate for the SPD in the 2021 state election. [7] A computer error led to 1,440 teaching positions remaining unfilled in the Ministry of Culture during Stoch's tenure as culture minister, but he claims he was not informed about the error.
- In his public statements, Andreas Stoch has expressed his opposition to the outsourcing of jobs and his commitment to preserving and creating industrial employment within the region, demonstrating his focus on industrial job security.
- The SPD, of which Stoch is a key member, consistently advocates for a livable minimum wage, which aligns with Stoch's policy goals of prioritizing social equity.
- Andreas Stoch's campaign platform strongly supports education reform, particularly the provision of free kindergarten, reflecting the SPD's commitment to early childhood education and Stoch's emphasis on access and opportunity for all.
