Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann heads the State Government of Baden-Württemberg. Besides the Minister-President, the Government comprises twelve Ministers, one State Counsellor and a State Secretary with voting rights in the cabinet.

Together with the population, the State Government aims to create a Baden-Württemberg which is fit for the future, successful, astute, fair and in touch with the people. The policy of the State Government is founded on the twin precepts of renewal and preservation.

In 1952 the States of Baden, Württemberg-Baden and Württemberg-Hohenzollern merged. The new Federal State that emerged was Baden-Württemberg, marking the start of a success story. A success story that continues to unfold to this day, evolving hand in hand with the community.

Our Service area contains details of the State Ministries and their press office contacts. The area also contains a media centre and a selection of publications. The Service Portal provides information on wide-ranging different administrative services available to those in all walks of life.

Baden-Württemberg is one of the leading economic regions not only in Germany but also Europe: Home to internationally renowned corporations and thousands of successful small and medium-sized enterprises, known for its innovative drive and inventive spirit, with a high level of productivity and low unemployment.

Whether you come to enjoy our landscapes, our culture, art, nature or for pure personal indulgence and relaxation: In Baden-Württemberg you will find just what you have been looking for. Our State offers a variety which is second to none.

Baden-Württemberg is poor in natural resources, but its population is overflowing with ingenuity, inventive spirit and an appetite for hard work. The people have made Germany’s Southwest one of the world‘s most successful regions. Characteristic of Baden-Württemberg are its diverse and varied landscapes and its outstanding quality of life.

Baden-Württemberg is the only Federal State created as the result of a referendum. In 1952, the States of Württemberg-Baden, Baden and Württemberg-Hohenzollern merged to form a single cohesive State in Germany’s southwest. But the eventful history of the individual states in the Southwest stretches back much further.

Lion, stag and griffon – the symbols and traditions of the regions which make up our state are united in the Baden-Württemberg coat of arms.

Alongside the functions of the State Government, Baden-Württemberg’s constitution also regulates the rights and obligations of the State Parliament, the State Court of Justice and the State Accounting Office. The division of power is focal to our democracy.

The administration in Baden-Württemberg operates on a three-tier system with the ministries at the top. The next tier down comprises the four regional commissioners. Beyond this, Baden-Württemberg is broken down into 35 rural districts and 9 urban districts, and 1,101 local authorities, which form the lower administrative tier.

Winfried Kretschmann is the ninth Minister President of Baden-Württemberg. He was re-elected as the Head of Government by the State Parliament on May 12, 2021. Kretschmann heads a coalition made up of two parliamentary parties: The Green Party and the CDU.

The parliamentary elections of March 13th, 2016 resulted in a coalition Government made up of the Green Party and the CDU. The State Government led by Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann took up office on May 12, 2016.

Baden-Württemberg is situated at the very heart of Europe. The State Government is committed to a democratically participative Europe in which Baden-Württemberg has a powerful voice. The State has also cultivated close ties to its neighbours and partners around the world which have evolved over many decades.

The best possible education for the young takes top priority for the State Government. Our goal is to create an efficient, high-performing and fair system of education – from nursery through to university. To ensure that everyone has the opportunity to develop their talents and skills to the highest possible level of academic achievement.

New forms of energy, consistent environmental protection, good mobility, nature conservation, food safety, attractive open spaces and a strong agricultural sector: The State Government is committed to achieving sustainability in Baden-Württemberg.

Because we believe politics should be practiced on eye level with the people we serve, we encourage civic participation. An efficient, people-friendly police force and judicial system safeguard the freedom and security of the population. We view the diversity of the people who live here as an opportunity.

A stakeholder society founded on solidarity, in which every individual feels they have a part to play – this is the vision of the State Government. Our committed social policy seeks to heal divisions in society and to create a solid basis for social cohesion.

Creative, active, attractive – Baden-Württemberg is all of these things. The State Government actively encourages the creation of an exciting cultural landscape and a diverse media location. It promotes popular sports and movement in the education system. And it is active in its support of successful and sustainable tourism.

The press offices of the ministries can be contacted in case of any enquires from journalists.

Look here for an overview of contact details for the individual ministries of the state government of Baden-Württemberg.

Brochures, flyers and more: Selected informative material from the various ministries can be obtained from our Publication Centre – either order hard copies or download the documents direct.