- Kretschmann highlights the necessity for the leading contender to have ample space.
Green Party Leader Winfried Kretschman Advocates for Flexibility for Potential 2025 Federal Election Candidate
Kretschman, the Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg, voiced his support for granting the Green Party's leading candidate for the 2025 federal elections as much autonomy as possible. In an interview with the German Press Agency in Stuttgart, he stated, "The chosen candidate should have room to maneuver." In his perspective, effective democracy relies on clear leadership, an opinion he's formulated over four decades of political experience.
Kretschman has always been critical of co-leadership. He believes that while co-leadership played a crucial role in gender equality in the past, it's now more of a political strategy. He pointed out the examples of two female parliamentary group leaders in the Bundestag—one from the left and the other from the realistic wing—and expressed doubts about its utility.
Kretschman Praise for Habeck
Kretschman has repeatedly expressed his admiration for Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck as a potential top candidate for the Greens. "There's no denying Habeck's abilities," Kretschman reiterated. "He's an exceptionally capable politician."
However, it's still uncertain if Habeck will run as the top candidate or as a Chancellor candidate. "That's a significant decision that requires careful thought. If your influence has grown sufficiently, then it's expected. But it must also have a reasonable chance of success, otherwise it appears arrogant," Kretschman warned.
The final decision should consider the current political climate. Baerbock, the Foreign Minister (Greens), declared a few weeks ago that she wouldn't be available as a Chancellor candidate again. Since then, Habeck has emerged as the most likely candidate, although he hasn't yet publicly committed. Lang, the party leader, stated in July that she couldn't think of anyone else for the post at the time.
Kretschman's praise for Habeck stems from his belief in the latter's abilities, as he is the Green Party's potential top candidate for Germany in the 2025 federal elections. Despite Habeck's rising popularity, Kretschman underscores the importance of considering the current political climate and assessing the chances of success before making a decision.
