Merkel says goodbye to Trittin - Previous Chancellor exits amidst "Mr. Can Deposit" event.
At the gathering were Green party members including Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (43), Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir (58), Economics Minister Robert Habeck (54), Environment Minister Steffi Lemke (56), and Family Minister Lisa Paus (55). In addition, parliamentary group and Chancellery Minister Wolfgang Schmidt (53) were present.
The event had tomato and mozzarella skewers, green salads in a jar, and mini wraps with tuna on the menu, along with juice spritzers (rhubarb, passion fruit) and fruit for refreshments.
The ex-Chancellor praises Jürgen Trittin
Merkel, busy with the CDU party conference a few days ago, made time for Jürgen Trittin on Monday. According to attendees, she told them that "Federal Environment Minister Jürgen Trittin left a mark that still matters today." The ex-Chancellor seemed happy, receiving applause and laughter from the crowd.
Merkel also expressed her regrets about not forming a black-green coalition back in 2013. She denied that it had failed due to the two percent target for defense spending (required for NATO countries) or Trittin.
She left the party at 7:32 PM.
The well-received Merkel speech
Cem Özdemir, Agriculture Minister, appreciated the cross-party respect evident in Merkel's speech, as he remarked, "We had different opinions while we were active, but that's okay because we all share a common difference against those who hate Germany, Putin fans, Erdogan fans, dictator fans, and traitors.
Economics Minister Robert Habeck also found the farewell speech appealing: "It's satisfying to see Angela Merkel honoring him, and I know he's happy about it too - it's a strong sign."
Trittin, before leaving the party, spoke in an interview with Tagesspiegel about his relationship with Merkel. "I've been against Merkel for 16 years, but we still respect each other. Merkel doesn't speak down to you, and she's good at giving an engaging speech. I was delighted that she accepted." He added, "We often disagreed (...), but I also believe that Mrs. Merkel never hit the same wall twice."
Appreciations from the Greens
His party members also had kind words for the former Green member:
▶︎ Habeck commended Trittin's introduction of can deposit regulation. Trittin was "someone whose name is associated with major political decisions we live by today." The two had a "long political partnership," and Trittin was "courageous, controversial but always convinced in his fight for sustainability, climate protection, and justice."
▶︎ Özdemir applauded Trittin's contributions to the Greens, despite a few disagreements on issues like foreign policy. He acknowledged that Trittin had "50 years of political experience."
▶︎ Foreign Minister Baerbock commended Trittin, calling him "someone who's there in difficult times and doesn't back down."
▶︎ And Lisa Paus, Family Minister, brought along a sentimental memento: "I went through the drawer again and found a lovely picture of the two of us," said Paus at the event. "I accompanied Trittin for a long time and managed to learn a few things from him."
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Source: symclub.org
