Green Party politician Winfried Kretschmann has called nationalism “the most dangerous political poison of modern times.” In an interview with the Stuttgart newspaper and the Stuttgart News The Prime Minister of Baden-Württemberg said that nationalism was one of the reasons for the current discontent in parts of society. Right-wing populists would turn every social question into a question of belonging rather than a question of distribution. Then it will no longer be “those up there” but “those out there,” said Kretschmann.
The outgoing Prime Minister also warned of anti-democratic tendencies that were increasing worldwide. “I’m not just alarmed about this, I’m disturbed.” He couldn’t explain this process. “If we knew the causes, we would have a counter-strategy. We obviously don’t know it in its entirety,” said the 77-year-old.
Kretschmann sees overregulation in Germany
As a further explanation for dissatisfaction in society, Kretschmann said that the state was no longer functioning as desired. “We are over-regulated,” which is now having a full effect in the “severe economic crisis.” This would restrict creativity and freedom. The states, together with the federal government, made very drastic simplification proposals. “However, there was considerable resistance from individuals in the federal government,” he said.
Kretschmann has ruled since 2011 Baden-Württemberghe will no longer be running in the state elections in March 2026. Green is the leading candidate in the elections the former federal minister and party leader Cem Özdemir.
