In the Thuringian political chaos, at least one incumbent government member is still needed to make important decisions by the state government. That is why FDP Prime Minister Kemmerich remains in office for the time being - because he is the only incumbent member of the government.
Erfurt (dpa) - The Thuringian Prime Minister Thomas Kemmerich (FDP) elected with AfD votes remains in office for the time being. He did not yet resign on Friday and gave formal reasons for this.
State administration and state chancellery agree that "a resignation, for example immediately, is not advisable because there are important decisions by the state government for which at least an incumbent member of the government is needed," said Kemmerich after a conversation with state president Birgit Keller in Erfurt ,
Kemmerich announced his retirement on Thursday after his election with aid from the AfD met with fierce criticism and protests. He had spoken to Keller about the possibility of a quick, orderly transfer of office, he said. The president of the state parliament wants to convene a special meeting of the council of elders as soon as possible. With its help, a way is to be found how constitutionally "quickly a prime minister can be elected".
State President Keller said that Kemmerich had made it clear that he would not stand in for handover in February. She complied with his request to convene the Council of Elders. The panel is scheduled to meet on February 18.
"If the Prime Minister announces his resignation afterwards, it is possible to convene Parliament the week after and you will see how the political groups decide," said Keller. At the meeting, she understood Kemmerich so that he wanted to clear the way for a new prime ministerial election in February.
A spokesman for the Thuringian FDP parliamentary group announced that the country would also be represented at the Federal Council meeting on Friday next week. It is possible that there will be a representative vote, but it is also conceivable that Kemmerich would be there himself.
