“Maischberger”: “Habeck saved this country from really slipping away,” says Kretschmann

Next Monday, Chancellor Olaf Scholz will pose a vote of confidence in the Bundestag, then the path to new elections at the end of February will probably be clear. Until then, the red-green minority government will still govern after the traffic lights go out. Winfried Kretschmann (Greens), Prime Minister of Baden-Württemberg, sees a black-green coalition in the federal government as a “promising path,” he said on the ARD political talk “Maischberger”.

In addition to him, the television presenter Joachim Llambi, the journalists Kristina Dunz (“Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland”) and Sonja Zekri (“Süddeutsche Zeitung”) commented on the political events. British pop star and entertainer Robbie Williams spoke to Sandra Maischberger about the film “Better Man” and his life between depression, drugs and humility.

As Prime Minister, Winfried Kretschmann has headed a green-black coalition since 2016. “Practice proves that we can govern well together,” he said about the cooperation between the Greens and the CDU in the states. In addition to Baden-Württemberg, this would currently also apply to Schleswig-Holstein and North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as to Hesse for ten years (2014-2023). “Have you heard anything negative from these countries? No, you don’t.”

In Baden-Württemberg, the Greens and CDU have just passed a budget with major investment programs in education, the country’s security and innovation in the economy. “We achieved this together with the Union without constantly being uncomfortable,” praised Kretschmann. “We simply work together for the country, even though we come from completely different places, for example in education policy.”

“It is not a federal government that decides whether to phase out combustion engines, but rather the EU Commission.”

But does this also work at the federal level? “Black-green is a realistic option in 2025,” said the Prime Minister. “I think this alliance is a promising way to intertwine economy and ecology.”

How does that fit together if the Union wants to go back to nuclear power, asked moderator Maischberger. “It’s new to me now that the Union wants to go back to nuclear power,” replied Kretschmer. There is speculation about new small nuclear power plants, “you can do all that, but that doesn’t solve the crisis at all.”

When it comes to the issue of phasing out combustion engines for cars, the Greens don’t see any major problems for a black-green coalition. “It is not a federal government that decides on the end of combustion engines, but rather the EU Commission, which, as is well known, is led by a CDU member (Ursula von der Leyen, editor’s note). There is not a single Green person on the commission.” There is also an “end to the fact that cars will have to be climate-neutral from 2035,” said the 76-year-old. If there were combustion engines that used artificial fuels, “then they could still drive.”

“Robert Habeck can manage crises”

Kretschmann had praise for the Green Party candidate for Chancellor and Federal Economics Minister: Robert Habeck had led Germany well in a serious crisis, Kretschmann spoke about the gas crisis caused by the Russian war of aggression in 2022. Germany had to get through the winter and “Habeck saved this country from really slipping.” The Prime Minister attested to his party colleague Habeck: “So he can manage crises.”

However, the Minister of Economic Affairs can do nothing about the German automobile crisis, said Kretschmann. This has to do with the global situation, which has “changed dramatically”. “China has turned from a consumer into a competitor.” And the USA would also exert pressure with tariffs.

At the end of the interview, Kretschmann criticized the calls for rapid deportations to Syria, now that the Assad government has been overthrown. It is “hasty” to call for such measures “barely a day” after the latest developments in Syria. Instead, we have to wait and see how the situation develops there. Kretschmann also warned against Germany going it alone and emphasized that the international community must ensure stability in Syria.

At the same time, Kretschmann spoke out in favor of “limiting irregular migration” and separating migration and asylum more closely. “There is no right to freedom of movement anywhere in the world,” said the Prime Minister. Although he understands “people who now come to us because they have no prospects,” this cannot be regulated through asylum law.

Robbie Williams has eight percent German genes

At the end of the show, Maischberger spoke to world star Robbie Williams. With over 85 million albums sold and evergreen hits like Angels, the Brit is an icon of pop music. But behind the fame lies a life full of extremes: addiction, depression and the constant battle with the public. Now the former Take That star tells his story in the film biography “Better Man”, which will be released in German cinemas in early 2025. Under the direction of Michael Gracey (“The Greatest Showman”), Williams’ life is staged in an unusual way: he himself appears as a chimpanzee. From Take That’s beginnings to its crises, his typical wit remains present.

At Maischberger’s, the 50-year-old talked about the ups and downs of his life. Long standing applause for the star as he entered the studio. “Usually we mainly have politicians as our guests here, they don’t get that kind of applause,” said Maischberger. “Thanks for liking me,” Williams said back to the audience.

When it was pointed out that he had eight percent German genes, the Brit said with a smile: “I love punctuality.” When asked about reliability, he was a little cautious, but when asked about a quiet, unexcited life, he said nothing and grinned. Because it’s clear that Robbie Williams hasn’t had a quiet life for a long time. Williams grew up without a father and has suffered from dyslexia since childhood. His most important caregiver was his grandmother: “She was the epitome of unconditional love. Today I try to pass on this love to my own children.”

“I had no future prospects. Maybe sell drugs.”

Williams describes the present as his best time: four children, a marriage of 19 years – “Exactly what young Robbie had dreamed of.” But the road there was rocky. He had to go to rehab clinics several times because of alcohol and pill addiction. He has been considered clean since 2007. He couldn’t be careless about it on tour and ended up having to dance, “hardcore aerobics,” at the concerts every day. But in his free time he always gave it “full throttle”.

Today he enjoys a more down-to-earth life, says Williams. His family means everything to him: “I love my job, but I can’t wait to get back to my kids. After 24 hours, I hide from them in the bedroom,” he said with a grin.

Robbie Williams’ career began at the age of 16. But he wouldn’t recommend this to his children. “For me, the band was the only way to get out of my humble socio-economic background. I failed miserably in all exams. I had no future prospects. Maybe sell drugs.” His children have more opportunities today, which makes him happy. The fact that he now has a good relationship with his father also makes him happy.

Robbie Williams will return to the stages in 2025. In Germany it will be seen in Berlin, Hanover and Gelsenkirchen, among others.