"Kretschmann transcends political gravity with unmatched sincerity"

On October 9, 2025, Professor Ursula Munch and Baden-Württemberg's Minister President, Winfried Kretschmann, will engage in a thought-provoking discussion at the Lake Constance Business Forum (BBF). The conversation, scheduled for 6:15 PM at the Graf-Zeppelin-Haus in Friedrichshafen, will conclude the international conference.

The discussion will not delve into current politics or an assessment of the government's work. Instead, it will focus on the tension between responsibility as a leading regional politician and the restrictive framework conditions such as political majorities, public opinion, financial and economic policy.

Professor Munch, who has been directing the Academy for Political Education in Tutzing for years, aims to share Kretschmann's wealth of experience and broad intellectual horizon with listeners at the BBF. The conversation will cover fundamental topics, including the philosophy of Jeanne Hersch, who argued that there is no freedom without responsibility.

Kretschmann's personal assessment of the protection of the democratic constitutional state, mistakes made by political parties in dealing with populism and extremism, and the challenges of addressing the concerns, discontent, and future fears of parts of the population may also be explored.

The discussion may also delve into societal unseriousness, especially from politicians, as diagnosed by the journalist of the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung", Timo Frasch. Furthermore, Kretschmann's brief "sect membership" and experiences with the KBW's university association might be relevant in addressing current challenges posed by extremists.

The conversation may touch on the current situation in the country and the mood. Professor Munch's analyses often shape political debates, and this discussion promises to be no exception.

Day visitors of the Bodensee Business Forum have free access to the concluding event. However, tickets for the conversation between Munch and Kretschmann are available for 5 Euros, with proceeds going to the "Helfen bringt Freude" charity of the "Schwäbische Zeitung".

Attendees can expect a stimulating and insightful discussion, as both Professor Munch and Minister President Kretschmann delve into the complexities of freedom, responsibility, and the role of politics in society.