The Green Party in Germany faces a pivotal moment, according to Winfried Kretschmann, the Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg. In an interview with “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, Kretschmann expressed concerns about the party’s current positioning, stating that it lacks clear direction.
He cautioned against a perceived inclination within parts of the party to compete directly with the Left Party, arguing that such a strategy would alienate the party from the political center. Kretschmann warned that mirroring the Left Party’s rhetoric risks driving voters towards the original party and emphasized the need for the Greens to solidify their image as the sole center-right opposition party at the federal level.
Kretschmann also addressed the party’s approach to migration policy, criticizing the lack of a consistent stance. He believes this ambiguity is a crucial point of concern for many voters. To regain voter confidence, he stressed the necessity of sharply limiting irregular migration to safeguard the integrity of the asylum system, while simultaneously facilitating legal pathways and streamlining processes to attract skilled workers.
This isn’t the first time Kretschmann, 77, has publicly distanced himself from the federal Green Party’s policies. His interventions from Stuttgart are often met with resistance, particularly from the party’s left wing. However, Kretschmann’s pragmatic leadership in Baden-Württemberg, where he has been Minister-President since 2011, makes him a respected figure among those advocating for a more moderate approach.
Beyond internal matters, Kretschmann also urged the current black-red coalition government to show greater resolve for reform. He specifically cited a need to address the long-term financial sustainability of the pension system and the comparatively low working hours in Germany, highlighting the increasing competitiveness of nations like China, which have implemented six-day workweeks. Kretschmann emphasized the need for increased productivity and intelligent work practices, calling for a period of concerted effort to meet future economic challenges.
