Politicians and vacations - Work until Albania: Cabinet vacation plans
The summer vacations for the new Rhineland-Palatinate Minister President Alexander Schweitzer and the new Social Minister Dorothee Schall will be different than planned. New Interior State Secretary Daniel Stich (all SPD) has put his vacation plans on hold. And some employees or employees in the state government had to make adjustments.
No vacation ban was planned, according to the State Chancellery, which also has a new chief with Fedor Ruhose (SPD). Around 300 employees are working in Mainz and the offices in Berlin and Brussels. "Substitute arrangements ensure that the work of the State Chancellery is always secure." The affected ministries in Mainz also maintain substitute arrangements for sufficient coverage.
Schweitzer wants to be as much as possible in the country
The new head of government "will use the time intensively for internal administrative duties," according to the State Chancellery in Mainz. Schweitzer will mainly spend the first days of the vacation on document reviews and will not attend any public appointments. He is looking forward to the fact that this is also possible beyond the office. "Perhaps there will be time windows to spend some time with the family."
Schweitzer's sons are 14 and 15 years old, his wife is a teacher. "The summer vacation will be characterized by the fact that the Minister President will be as much as possible in the country," according to the State Chancellery.
Schall wants to take "small timeouts" with her family
Schweitzer's successor, the new Social Minister and two-time mother Dorothee Schall, is changing her vacation plans. "Our summer vacation will take place this year differently than planned. Instead of a long family vacation, we will take small timeouts together," says the 46-year-old.
"I want to use the summer weeks to familiarize myself with the topics of my portfolio and get to know the employees. I also want to spend a lot of time in the country." Schall is not looking for a new apartment for her family in Bonn. "My minister office has a small room with everything you need," she reports. "Whether this solution is permanent for me, I will try out in the next few weeks."
Two virtual cabinet meetings are planned
The other ministers can go on vacation as planned. However, the cabinet will continue to exchange information with the Minister President during the parliamentary recess, according to the State Chancellery. And there will be two virtual cabinet meetings.
Deputy Minister President Katharina Binz (Greens), who has only recently returned from a four-month baby break, is not commenting on vacation plans with her family.
Economics Minister Daniela Schmitt and her husband will spend a few days at Lake Garda and in South Tyrol in August. Planned are sporting activities in nature such as mountain biking and hiking. "Movement in the open air and sports clear the head and give new ideas and perspectives," says the FDP politician. "But even on vacation, work is done, there are consultations with the ministry or cabinet."
Opposition leader Schnieder is vacationing again in Allgäu
Opposition leader Gordon Schnieder and his family are returning - like last year - to Allgäu. "It was great for all of us there last year and there is still a lot to discover the second time around," says the 49-year-old designated party leader and top candidate for the Landtag election in 2026.
"After that, there is still a trip to Legoland on our program." The anticipation is just as great for everyone. "Now we are hoping for good, consistent summer weather and then it will all fit, or as they say in Bavaria: 'That's just great!'"
Interior Minister Michael Ebling enjoys city trips. This time, the SPD politician has scheduled a few days in Budapest.
Education Minister Stefanie Hubig is traveling to Albania. "I am curious about this country and its diversity," says the SPD politician. "One can hike in the Albanian Alps, swim in the Mediterranean, or visit World Heritage sites," reports Hubig. "I find this variation of active vacation, relaxation, and culture very intriguing."
Finance Minister Doris Ahnen is headed to Norway. The SPD politician "is looking forward to the nature and peace," says her spokesperson.
Health and Science Minister Clemens Höck (SPD) will spend his vacation, as every year, in the Netherlands at the coast, as stated in his ministry.
Environment and Climate Protection Minister Katrin Eder is traveling with her family to South France. "I am a fan of vacationing by the Mediterranean. Good French food and good weather help recharge my batteries," says the Green politician. "The weather in Schleswig-Holstein was unfortunately poor last year."
Justice Minister Herbert Mertin is not taking a summer vacation. "He will certainly use one or two weekends in the summer for visits with family and friends or short trips," says the ministry of the FDP politician.
- The new Minister President of Rhineland-Palatinate, Alexander Schweitzer, has altered his vacation plans due to his new role.
- The State Chancellery in Mainz, led by new chief Fedor Ruhose (SPD), has around 300 employees working in Mainz, Berlin, and Brussels, ensuring secure work through substitute arrangements.
- Schweitzer aims to use his vacation for internal administrative duties, primarily reviewing documents and engaging in family time.
- Dorothee Schall, the new Social Minister and two-time mother, has decided to take "small timeouts" with her family during their vacation instead of a longer trip.
- Economics Minister Daniela Schmitt and her husband are planning a few days at Lake Garda and in South Tyrol, engaging in sports activities and maintaining work contacts.
- Opposition leader Gordon Schneider is vacationing in Allgau with his family, eagerly anticipating good weather and another enjoyable experience.
- Education Minister Stefanie Hubig is traveling to Albania, curious about the country's diversity and planning a mix of hikes, swimming, and cultural activities.
- Interior Minister Michael Ebling is visiting Budapest for city trips, while Finance Minister Doris Ahnen is headed to Norway, seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
