Frankfurt (Germany), March 5 (LaPresse) – German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has announced that, for personal reasons, she will not assume a leadership role in the Green Party’s parliamentary group. Baerbock explained her decision in a letter to the parliamentary group and the Brandenburg state Green Party association.
She stated that she had taken a few days to reflect on "what this moment means for me and my family" after "years spent at high speed." The 44-year-old politician recalled that she has held political responsibility within the Greens since 2008: "Throughout this time, I have always given my all… At the same time, these intense years have also taken a personal toll. For personal reasons, I have therefore decided to step away from the spotlight for a while and not run for a leadership position in the Bundestag parliamentary group."
"Even though roles change, this is not a farewell," she added. Baerbock has already accepted her seat in the Bundestag.
In November, Baerbock and her husband, Daniel Holefleisch, announced their separation, stating that they would continue to co-parent their two daughters, now aged 9 and 13. Baerbock was considered the likely new co-chair of the Greens’ parliamentary group alongside incumbent MP Katharina Dröge. Now, it is expected that Dröge and co-chair Britta Hasselmann, recently reappointed on a provisional basis, will continue to lead the parliamentary group together.