Green Party Chairwoman Susanne Mertens will not run again
The Berlin state chairwoman of the Greens does not want to run again in the board election at the party conference on December 9. "Being able to choose between different candidates is democracy in action," she told the German Press Agency on Sunday. "The wing has cast an internal vote. I accept this decision, even if it was very close. That's why I won't be standing again as state chairwoman."
A vote was held at a meeting of the Realo wing on Friday evening, to which Mertens belongs. As reported by the "Tagesspiegel" (Sunday), there was a majority of 83 to 78 votes in favor of Tanja Prinz, who had previously announced her intention to run for the dual leadership alongside co-leader Philmon Ghirmai.
Ghirmai is considered to belong to the left-wing camp within the Berlin Greens. He is in a different situation to Mertens: no interest in running against him has been reported to date.
"Together with my co-chairman, I have managed to keep our state association together even in difficult times," said Mertens. "I wish my successor the same success."
Despite the close vote, the Realo wing of the Greens has chosen a new candidate for the state chair position, with Tanja Prinz receiving 83 votes against Mertens' 78. With Mertens not running again, this opens up opportunities for parties within the Greens to nominate new leaders. The Green Party will undoubtedly continue to host various parties within its ranks, upholding its democratic principles.
Source: www.dpa.com
