Renate Künast: A Political Transition Beyond Retirement
Former Green Party politician Renate Künast has expressed her desire to remain active in public life following her departure from the Bundestag. Rather than fully retiring, Künast aims to continue contributing to significant issues that have shaped her political career.
In a recent interview, Künast, who has held various prominent positions within the Green Party--including serving as a member of the Berlin state parliament and the Bundestag, as well as the first Federal Minister of Agriculture for the party--reflected on her decision to step back from politics. She indicated that, similar to athletes who need to maintain their skills after retirement, politicians too should find ways to stay engaged.
Künast has voiced concerns about the potential isolation that can accompany retirement, referencing a sentiment of being forgotten or overlooked. To prevent this, she plans to seek out roles that align with her interests, particularly in combating hate speech and addressing issues related to digital violence. Additionally, she remains passionate about nutrition and intends to pursue this area further.
Despite her enthusiasm for continued involvement, Künast acknowledged the challenges associated with her political career. She stated that she had reached a point where the demands of working 70 to 80 hours a week were no longer appealing. The constant pressure of juggling multiple responsibilities led her to conclude that it was time for a new chapter in her life.
Reflecting on her emotional state as she nears the end of her tenure, Künast described a mix of apprehension and uncertainty. She noted that, as her final days in office approached, she often found herself awake at night, contemplating the tasks that remained. Her last speech in the Bundestag took place just before Christmas, marking the conclusion of a significant political journey that began in the mid-1980s when she first joined the Berlin state assembly.
Born in Recklinghausen in 1955, Künast has had a storied career in politics. She was a member of the Bundestag from 2002, serving as the leader of the Green parliamentary group from 2005 to 2013. In 2011, she ran for the position of the Governing Mayor of Berlin but was defeated by Klaus Wowereit from the SPD.
As Künast embarks on this new phase of her life, her commitment to addressing pressing societal issues indicates that her voice will continue to resonate within the public sphere, even if her role evolves.
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