Boris Palmer, the mayor of Tübingen, has apparently decided not to join the new state government that will be led by Cem Özdemir of the Greens. The decision was reported by the “Stuttgarter Zeitung”, which cited sources within the Green party. As a non‑party member, Palmer said he will continue to serve as mayor of Tübingen.
Özdemir, who is slated to become the state premier, reportedly told a meeting of the state board that he had discussed a possible cabinet appointment with Palmer. Palmer clarified that he would remain in Tübingen. When asked, the mayor confirmed his choice and mentioned that he sees no reason to relinquish the office that the citizens have entrusted to him for eight years.
Palmer had left the Greens about three years ago but kept in touch with the party’s more pragmatic “Realo” wing. During the state parliamentary campaign, he openly supported Özdemir, which sparked speculation that he might be offered a cabinet post – speculation that he has now dismissed.