Winfried Kretschmann
His wife has breast cancer
Baden-Württemberg's Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann and his wife Gerlinde at a performance in Berlin.
© imago / Metodi Popow
Winfried Kretschmann's wife Gerlinde has breast cancer: "I want to be there for you as best I can," said the politician.
Baden-Württemberg's Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann (72) announced in a "personal communication" that his wife is suffering from breast cancer. "It's actually a purely personal matter. My wife and I decided together to make it public anyway," the statement said. "My wife Gerlinde has breast cancer. She is doing according to the circumstances, but difficult times are ahead of her. I want to be there for her as best I can."
Winfried Kretschmann continues: "In the difficult situation for the country, he will continue my work as Prime Minister with full commitment:" I will not always be able to keep appointments that do not affect government business. This also includes appointments in the upcoming election campaign . I need this time to stand by my wife. I ask for your understanding. " Finally, the politician wrote in the communication: "I know that many people know this situation from their own experience or have relatives and friends who had to go through such an illness. We are therefore grateful for your sympathy. But we ask you to refrain from inquiries . "
Winfried and Gerlinde Kretschmann, a former primary school teacher, have been married since 1975. The couple has three grown children.