The former Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann (Green Party), offered praise for the leadership of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU). While acknowledging that Merz previously lacked governmental experience, Kretschmann noted that he has demonstrated a “steep learning curve,” according to his comments to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”‘s Saturday edition.
Kretschmann stated that Merz performs well in foreign policy, which also dominates domestic affairs, and “there is nothing to criticize” in that area. However, he pointed out that events such as the post regarding the national soccer team after their departure from the World Cup should not be repeated. He recalled that Merz had been quoted as saying the post “enthused our country with its commitment and team spirit,” a statement that many perceived as unrealistic. Kretschmann argued that through this incident, Merz damaged his credibility and public image, saying, “You are beneath millions because everyone asks: What is he talking about?”
Turning to Merz’s predecessor, Olaf Scholz (SPD), Kretschmann observed that “in essence, he refused to communicate.”
Individually, Kretschmann also defended CDU politician Jens Spahn. The former Minister-President refused to assign blame to Spahn over the procurement of masks as Minister of Health. He argued that the situation dictated, “Please get me masks, no matter how,” given that Western representatives on Chinese airports had driven prices up to secure masks and ventilators. Kretschmann added, “We all feared that the pandemic would get out of control and lead to hundreds of thousands of deaths.”
