Gordon Schnieder, the Prime Minister of Rhineland-Palatinate, stated clearly that his political ambitions do not extend beyond Mainz. Speaking to the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung” (FAS), he confided, “I do not want to go to Berlin. Everyone prefers a different stage.”
He mentioned that a recent parliamentary delegation trip to Brussels deterred him entirely. “After two hours there, I knew immediately that I would never go back,” Schnieder explained, describing the atmosphere as “too anonymous, too big-it isn’t for me.” Instead, he expressed his preference “for being here in the land where I meet many people.” His core purpose, he reiterated, was to serve this region. “Others are doing Berlin; I am doing Mainz-and that is how it should remain.”
The new minister expressed amusement when some people refer to him as a “calculator.” “They underestimate me,” he countered. He sees his quiet demeanor not as a lack of input but as his personal style. “To be calm does not mean that one has nothing to say.” Even if others perceive him as a paperclip or a calculator, he believes that approach resonates effectively with voters.
Schnieder was also perplexed by some people finding it unusual that he wears a shirt when watching television in the evenings. “Is that really a big deal?” he asked. He further pointed out that he wore a shirt when attending the Nature-One festival. When questioned about whether he went into the mosh pit, he replied, “I don’t know the technical terms, but I was there on the main stage. Groups like Gestört aber geil-I think they are called that-were playing, and it was great.” He emphasized that his shirt did not prevent anyone from moving around freely.
Finally, the minister addressed the pressures associated with his new role, acknowledging that he wishes he could be home more often. Nevertheless, he is actively trying to maintain a strong connection with his family. As explained to the FAS, they communicate two or three times daily, even during his two-hour commute home, and he strives to facilitate joint breakfasts and take free days on weekends whenever possible.
