Just six days before his anticipated end of term, Baden-Württemberg’s Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann (The Greens) paid a farewell-type visit to Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) in Berlin on Thursday. The Federal Press Office circulated photos showing the 77-year-old, who appeared visibly cheerful, being received by the host, who is seven years younger, within the Chancellery. Details regarding the subject of their discussion were not initially disclosed.
Kretschmann has held the office of Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg since 2011. He holds the distinction of being the first and currently the only Green party state leader in Germany, and he is also the oldest serving Minister-President in terms of both age and years in office. He is expected to mark his departure with a final address in the Bundesrat (Federal Council) this Friday.
Regarding the state elections held in March, Kretschmann did not contest the election. His party colleague, Cem Özdemir, achieved a relative majority at the last moment, forming a coalition with the CDU. Özdemir is scheduled to be elected the new Minister-President on May 13th.