Berlin/Schwerin (dpa/mv) - Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig (SPD) is preparing to take over the presidency of the Bundesrat. At its regular meeting on Friday in Berlin, the state chamber elected the Schwerin head of government as second vice president. This office is traditionally held by the federal state that takes over the presidency of the Federal Council in the following year. After Hamburg, this will be Mecklenburg-West Pomerania in autumn 2023.
The presidency of the Bundesrat changes every year between the 16 federal states. It is the second highest in Germany after that of the Federal President. In addition to chairing the meetings of the Federal Council, the President of the Federal Council also takes on protocol appointments in Germany and abroad, but is replaced by his deputies if necessary.
"I would like to thank you for the trust and I look forward to working with Peter Tschentscher as the new President of the Federal Council and with Bodo Ramelow as his first deputy," said Schwesig, according to a message distributed on Friday. She herself had not attended the session because she was undergoing rehabilitation.
According to Schwesig, the Bundesrat presidency also offers the opportunity to make Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania better known at home and abroad. "The highlight will be the organization of the Day of German Unity on October 3, 2024 in Schwerin," emphasized the Prime Minister. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has twice hosted the unity celebrations, which took place in Erfurt this year as Thuringia held the presidency of the Bundesrat.
