Winfried Kretschmann

Winfried Kretschmann
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Name	Winfried Kretschmann
Caption	Kretschmann in 2021
Office	Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg
Term start	12 May 2011
Predecessor	Stefan Mappus
Office1	Member of the Landtag of Baden-Württemberg
Term start1	2001
Constituency1	Nürtingen
Party	Alliance 90/The Greens
Birth date	17 May 1948
Birth place	Spaichingen, Allied-occupied Germany
Spouse	Gerlinde Kretschmann
Alma mater	University of Hohenheim
Religion	Roman Catholic

Winfried Kretschmann is a German politician serving as the Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg since 2011, the first state premier from the Alliance 90/The Greens. A former biology and chemistry teacher, he emerged as a leading figure in the Green movement following his early activism in anti-nuclear protests and the federal parliament. His tenure has been characterized by a pragmatic, centrist approach, fostering a strong economy while advancing progressive policies on climate action and sustainable energy.

Early life and education

Born in Spaichingen in the French zone of Allied-occupied Germany, Kretschmann grew up in a conservative Roman Catholic family. His political consciousness was shaped early by the Second Vatican Council and later by the German student movement of the 1960s. He completed his Abitur at the Karls-Gymnasium Stuttgart before undertaking compulsory service in the Bundeswehr. He then studied biology and chemistry at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart, graduating with a state examination that qualified him for teaching. During his university years, he became deeply involved in Marxist student groups and the nascent environmental movement, which laid the groundwork for his future political commitments.

Political career

Kretschmann's political career began with his involvement in the anti-nuclear power movement, notably participating in protests against the nuclear power plant in Wyhl in the 1970s. He was a founding member of the Green Party in Baden-Württemberg in 1979. He first entered the Landtag of Baden-Württemberg in 1980, serving until 1988. After a period focused on teaching and local politics, he returned to the state parliament in 2001. He rose through the ranks of Alliance 90/The Greens, becoming the party's parliamentary leader in the Landtag and a key negotiator in coalition talks. His reputation as a pragmatic realist grew, distinguishing him from more fundamentalist wings of the party.

Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg

Following the 2011 Baden-Württemberg state election, triggered by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, Kretschmann led the Greens to a historic victory, forming a coalition government with the SPD under the "Green-Red" coalition. His election ended 58 years of continuous rule by the CDU in the state. He was re-elected after the 2016 Baden-Württemberg state election and the 2021 Baden-Württemberg state election, subsequently forming coalitions with the CDU, marking the first such "Black-Green" alliance at the state level in Germany. His premiership has emphasized innovation and environmental technology, supporting companies like Bosch and Mercedes-Benz Group in transitioning to electric vehicles while maintaining Baden-Württemberg's status as an industrial powerhouse.

Political positions and views

Kretschmann is identified with the Realo (realist) wing of the Greens, advocating for reformist and economically responsible policies. A strong proponent of the European Union, he supports deeper integration and has been critical of Euroscepticism. His environmental policy focuses on a gradual energy transition, balancing renewable energy expansion with industrial competitiveness. He holds conservative social values on some issues, reflecting his Catholic background, but supports LGBT rights and has championed biodiversity protection. He has been a vocal advocate for multiculturalism and integration, while also emphasizing the importance of German language and democratic values, positioning himself as a centrist figure who bridges traditional political divides.

Personal life

Kretschmann is married to Gerlinde Kretschmann, a retired teacher, and they have three adult children. The family lives in a renovated farmhouse in Mittelschöntal, part of Schwieberdingen. An avid reader with a deep interest in philosophy and theology, he is known for quoting thinkers like Hannah Arendt. He remains a practicing Catholic and has engaged in dialogue with the church, including the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart. His hobbies include hiking in the Swabian Jura and cultivating his garden. He is a fan of VfB Stuttgart and enjoys Swabian cuisine, often citing Maultaschen as a favorite dish.