On Thursday, Green party co-leader Annalena Baerbock announced at the party that she is to become Germany’s first woman foreign minister, as the country’s incoming coalition government is on its way to take place.
Once the new government comprising the Social Democrats (SPD), the liberal FDP, and the Greens are formed and formally installed, in early December, the 40-year-old mother of two is expected to take on the role.
When spoken with Annalena Baerbock, she categorically stated that German diplomatic relations with China and Russia would be asserted with a stronger stance taken, after keeping in mind the respect for human rights and the rule of law.
A “super ministry” grouping together energy, economy, and climate protection would be headed by the co-leader Robert Habeck, said Michael Kellner, green Party manager, in a statement.
Michael Kellner further added that Robert Habeck would additionally become Vice-Chancellor.
However, Annalena Baerbock, former medal-winning trampolinist, failed in her attempt to become chancellor and replace Angela Merkel in September’s election. She managed a record score of 15 percent leading her party.
After 16 years in the opposition, Greens paved their way to return to governing by the third-way result, in a three-way coalition from the presumed next chancellor, Olaf Scholz of SPD.
On Wednesday, the three parties unveiled their coalition agreement, and the three parties are known as “traffic light,” which is after their party colors. They also disclosed the division of ministerial posts.
The three parties must formally endorse the agreement as a part of formality. In the week starting December 6, Scholz is set to be sworn in by the Bundestag.
The Greens have been allotted a total number of five Cabinet posts. However, both Baerbock and Habeck’s appointments were widely expected. There was a power struggle at the last minute over who would fill the remaining three jobs; the party was plunged into.
There was a skirmish regarding the issue of the subsequent Cabinet’s gender parity, which was resolved in the evening talks on Thursday. The popular lawmaker Cem Ozdemir would lead the agriculture ministry, as announced by Michael Kellner. Cem Ozdemir hails from the camp “Realo.”