Kretschmann: "Ich bin froh, dass ich aufhöre" - Baden-Württemberg's Green leader steps down after 15 years of political upheaval

Baden-Württemberg's Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann has described his role as a heavy burden. The 77-year-old, who has led the state since 2011, admitted he is relieved his term is coming to an end. He will not seek re-election in the upcoming vote on 8 March 2026.

Kretschmann became the first Green Minister-President in 2011, breaking the CDU's long-standing dominance. His victory followed public anger over the Fukushima disaster and the Stuttgart 21 protests. Under his leadership, the state shifted away from top-down decision-making toward a more inclusive approach, often called a 'politics of being heard'. Yet recent polls show the CDU now leading at 29%, with the Greens at 23% and the AfD at 20%.

The demands of the job have taken a toll. Kretschmann revealed that even small frustrations keep him awake at night, leaving him exhausted. He has spoken openly about the gruelling nature of the role, expressing eagerness to step down and leave the pressures behind.

As his time in office winds down, the state faces major economic challenges. Job losses in key industries like automotive and mechanical engineering have surged. Kretschmann has blamed both global pressures and a need for Germans to increase productivity.

Kretschmann's departure will mark the end of a 15-year era for Baden-Württemberg. The Greens will need to choose a new candidate for the 2026 election, while the state grapples with economic uncertainty. His exit leaves a gap in leadership as the political landscape continues to shift.