Wüst deflects questions on reserve chancellor role, election promises

North Rhine-Westphalia Minister President Hendrik Wüst skillfully navigated media inquiries on Thursday, addressing his perceived role as a "reserve chancellor" and the status of his government's promises.

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The legislative period is not over yet.

Facing questions about the third year of free kindergarten, a promise in the coalition agreement, Wüst responded pragmatically. "The legislative period is not over yet," he stated, emphasizing the government's significant achievements in expanding kindergarten access both quantitatively and qualitatively. He avoided a definitive "yes" or "no" on whether the promise would be fully realized within the current term, musing, "What is final in this world?"

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What is final in this world?

Similarly, on the matter of nationwide binding standards for all-day school care, Wüst opted against immediate legislative action. "We have come to the conclusion that we do not need a legal basis," he explained, assuring continued financial support. He highlighted the expansion of all-day places as a "huge success story," asserting that all children needing a spot would receive one. Wüst expressed a desire to avoid "slowing down" the necessary expansion through "excessive bureaucracy," despite the coalition agreement having previously indicated an implementation law.

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We have come to the conclusion that we do not need a legal basis.

Regarding Justice Minister Benjamin Limbach, who has faced opposition criticism over judicial scandals and communication failures, Wüst offered a firm defense. He stated there was no reason to replace Limbach, characterizing the penal system as an "ambitious topic, fraught with many risks" for any state government.

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We are not going to slow down the necessary expansion through excessive bureaucracy.