Daniel Günther Considers Third Term as Schleswig-Holstein Ministerpräsident
Daniel Günther, the current Ministerpräsident of Schleswig-Holstein, has hinted at his willingness to serve a third term in office. At an event in Hamburg, the CDU politician stated that he is contemplating the idea of running again in the 2027 state election.
"It requires careful consideration to seek a third term. But there are several reasons that make me lean towards doing so," Günther said.
The 48-year-old politician has been serving as Ministerpräsident since 2017. During his tenure, he has led a coalition government with the Green Party.
Despite his current position, Günther has expressed no interest in pursuing a ministerial role in the federal government. "I prefer being the head of a state government," he said. "It is a rewarding role, and I would not give it up to serve as a minister in Berlin, regardless of who the chancellor may be."
Günther also criticized the excessive transparency and leaks that are prevalent in Berlin politics. "We don’t have that in our black-green coalition in Kiel," he remarked. "For me, it is essential to have private spaces where ideas can be discussed without immediately becoming public knowledge."
He argued that while transparency is important, excessive openness can hinder effective decision-making. "Does politics need to be completely transparent, with every conversation made public and every document freely available? That’s nonsense," Günther said.
The Ministerpräsident emphasized the need for confidentiality in certain political discussions. "There must be spaces where thoughts can be shared without fear of immediate public disclosure," he explained.
Günther’s comments underscore the growing frustration among some politicians regarding the constant leaks and media scrutiny that have become commonplace in German politics. He believes that confidentiality is necessary for fostering open and productive discussions within governing coalitions.
The upcoming 2027 state election will be a crucial test for Günther and his party. If he chooses to run for a third term, he will face an electoral landscape that could be shaped by factors such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, economic conditions, and the performance of the current coalition government.
Political observers will closely monitor Günther’s decision-making process and the potential impact it could have on the political dynamics of Schleswig-Holstein and beyond.
