Winfried Kretschmann Finds Optimism in Turbulent Times

**As part of the _43rd Baden-Württemberg Literature Festival_ in Bad Mergentheim, an evening event will be held on Hannah Arendt and the meaning of politics.** Anyone who served as Minister-President for 15 years and was then bid farewell with cross-party fanfare must have done quite a few things right in their political career: Winfried Kretschmann of the Green Party was accepted by his conservative-leaning state because it “recognized in him a good person who brought people together”—so said former Federal President Joachim Gauck at Kretschmann’s farewell ceremony in April of this year. Winfried Kretschmann found a guiding light for his worldview and political actions early on: the philosopher Hannah Arendt (1906–75), a pioneer of a diverse, active civil society in which the principle holds that politics is a matter for all of us. He recently dedicated a book to her: *The Meaning of Politics Is Freedom*. In conversation with Gabriele Renz, Winfried Kretschmann talks about his lifelong enthusiasm for Hannah Arendt and how she can provide us with stability and direction in a time when old certainties are fading. In cooperation with the Neunkirchen district. **Price:** Free admission! **Registration:** Required via the link provided.