Hamburg's Green Senator, Jens Kerstan, Steps Down Due to Health Issues
Environmental senator Kerstan steps down from politics
In a surprising turn of events, Hamburg's Environmental Senator, Jens Kerstan, has announced that he won't stand for re-election in the 2025 city election due to health-related reasons. The Greens politician, who has been in the role for over 25 years, will also relinquish his duties as the Senator after the end of the current legislative period.
Kerstan became reflective about his decision, telling the Hamburger Abendblatt, "My cancer battle that I miraculously overcame nearly three years ago has taken a lot out of me and made me think about where I stand, what I've achieved so far, and whether and how I can continue."
Reflecting on the various topics and projects that had led him into politics, he admitted that pursuing new objectives with the same passion, strength, and determination in the next five years seemed unrealistic. He stated, "The long years of responsibility, particularly the ten years in the Senate, have left their mark." Nevertheless, he intends to work with full force until the end of his term and support the Greens in the forthcoming city election campaign.
farewell to a Green champion
The Greens in Hamburg find it difficult to imagine a future without Kerstan, said Hamburg's Second Mayor, Katharina Fegebank (Greens). Jens Kerstan, she said, has always been "100% committed to the Green cause." Both Hamburg’s Green Party chair, Maryam Blumenthal, and Leon Alam shared similar sentiments, calling Kerstan an "authentic pillar" for the Greens. They commented, "Whether in the area of re-municipalization of energy networks, climate legislation and plans or the expansion of urban gardens and flowers: The work of our Senator is evident and tangible throughout the city."
bay/dpa
Sarah Bayerschmidt
Sarah Bayerschmidt, born in 2001, hails from Amberg, her Bavarian roots betray her surname or the pronunciation of the word "terrible." She studied journalism in Eichstaht. At ZDF’s regional studio in Berlin, she reported on blockade actions by the Last Generation and was part of a graffiti training. Another topic that interests her: Tattoos. In a podcast episode for the ZEIT-Wissen magazine, Sarah accompanied a tattoo artist and spoke to a tattoo expert about the meaning of body art for individuals. She herself sports a cartoon rabbit (with a newspaper in hand!) and the phrase "soon" on her leg.
Nickname: bay
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Kerstan’s decision has left a void that may be difficult to fill. He has been a strong voice for the environment in Hamburg, having pushed for various initiatives such as the expansion of green spaces, reducing plastic waste, and promoting renewable energy. The Greens are expected to announce his successor soon, with speculations surrounding notable party members. It remains to be seen if Kerstan’s contributions to environmental policy will continue under a new leadership, and how his absence will impact the political landscape of the city.
In light of his decision to step down, Kerstan's absence may be tough to replace as he was a fervent advocate for the environmental cause in Hamburg, championing initiatives like the expansion of green spaces, reductions in plastic waste, and promotion of renewable energy. Amidst the speculations about his successor, the Greens party faces the challenge of continuing his outstanding work in the realm of health-and-wellness, science, and politics, as well as general-news sectors.
