Outgoing Baden-Württemberg Minister President Winfried Kretschmann has urged his Green Party to position itself in the political center, arguing that confrontational approaches between democratic parties are outdated. In an interview, Kretschmann stated that pursuing such a course risks aligning a party with political extremes. He described the Greens as the sole center-right opposition party in Berlin, emphasizing the importance of embracing this role.
Kretschmann voiced sharp criticism of the Green Youth’s national platform, deeming its approach “illusory and incorrect”. He cautioned against following this direction, warning it could lead the party to occupy a niche position. He argued against a scenario where three parties in the Bundestag compete to propose the most radical redistribution policies, a space already occupied by the Left and the Social Democrats.
The Green politician, who is the only Green head of government in Germany, indicated his readiness to leave office in spring 2026, acknowledging the demanding nature of the position. At 77, he stated that he is nearing the end of his political career. However, he stressed the significant challenges that remain, particularly the precarious financial situation facing local authorities, preventing him from easing into retirement.
Regarding the multi-billion euro Stuttgart 21 railway project, Kretschmann affirmed his belief that a modernized head station would have been the optimal solution. He acknowledged that this is now a moot point, noting that the difficulties and shortcomings previously predicted have materialized. He criticized claims that the project was the most meticulously planned in the history of the German railway system. Kretschmann stated he will not attend the planned partial opening of the station at the end of 2026, questioning why he should as a citizen and indicating his attendance would not be particularly noteworthy.
