Uncertainty remains over the succession of Prime Minister Bärbel Schäfer
Barbara Schäfer, the current government president of Baden-Württemberg, is set to retire in four weeks, leaving Minister President Winfried Kretschmann with a pressing task: choosing a successor. The stakes are high, as a vacancy could create an impression of indecisiveness and potentially harm the Green Party's image in the state.
Schäfer herself has signalled that she will not extend her contract, and her retirement marks the end of a tenure that has seen her navigate the complexities of the office, which is held by political officials appointed by the state government. The position, with almost 2,000 employees, is currently without a confirmed successor.
The search for a successor is fraught with political challenges, as seen in the past when Julian Würtenberger (CDU) was replaced in 2012 due to party affiliations, despite his praise for his work across party lines. The CDU's predicted majority in the state parliament could lead to a quick change in the government president, making Kretschmann's decision crucial.
Klemens Ficht, the acting government president, is a possible interim solution, but the new government president is expected to be from the Greens or someone who can be portrayed as green. However, many leading Greens in Freiburg and surrounding areas are declining the offer, making the search even more difficult.
An investigation by certain websites and the Schwarzwälder Bote has found that members of the state parliament are being asked for suggestions for the succession. Yet, many Green members of parliament in and around Freiburg are unaware of any list of names that Kretschmann could contact for the succession.
This lack of transparency has led to growing discontent in Freiburg with Kretschmann, with some criticising his indecisiveness and lack of appreciation for the office. As the deadline for Schäfer's retirement approaches, Kretschmann must reveal his choice soon to avoid these potential issues and secure a smooth transition for the government of Baden-Württemberg.
The pressing task for Minister President Winfried Kretschmann is to announce a successor for Barbara Schäfer, given the upcoming retirement in four weeks and the complex policy-and-legislation dynamics at play. As the general-news circulation reveals, his decision could influence the Green Party's image in the state and the political landscape, considering the CDU's predicted majority in the state parliament.
