Stories from Stuttgart · Germany

The Stuttgart City Council discussed a proposal to expand free public transportation services. The current plan includes free transit on one Saturday per month and during specific events.

Mercedes-Benz released quarterly financial results amid a difficult economic environment. The company cited weak demand in China as a primary factor for the performance. The report comes as broader market uncertainty grows regarding the AI sector and geopolitical tensions.

A farewell ceremony is being held at the new Schloss in Stuttgart to mark the occasion. Winfried Kretschmann is stepping down from his role as Minister President of Baden-Württemberg after 15 years in office. Kretschmann is noted for his long tenure, which is among the longest in the state's history. He is Germany's first and only Green Party Minister President. During a ceremony in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg Interior Minister Strobel of the CDU praised Kretschmann's work. Strobel stated that no other partner allowed for such reliable cooperation as Kretschmann. Numerous guests from the political and economic sectors attended the farewell ceremony. During a ceremony at a new palace, former Federal President Gauck praised the Green Party politician for his focus on listening and citizen engagement.

A formal ceremony will be held this afternoon at the new palace in Stuttgart. Baden-Württemberg Ministerpräsident Winfried Kretschmann is being honored in a farewell ceremony in Stuttgart after serving approximately 15 years in office. The ceremony is being held at the New Palace in Stuttgart and is expected to continue until the afternoon. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the event. Kretschmann has served in the role since 2011, making him the longest-serving Minister President in the state's history. The potential successor, Green Party politician [name not provided], is expected to take over the position. Speakers at his departure noted his impact on the state. Kretschmann reportedly stated that he is beginning to feel a sense of wistfulness regarding his departure.

Baden-Württemberg Minister President Kretschmann is being honored during a formal ceremony in Stuttgart. The ceremony included reflections on his tenure, which began with a coalition between the Greens and the SPD. The source noted his reputation as a respected state leader. He is scheduled to leave office in mid-May following the constitution of the new Landtag. Former President Gauck praised Kretschmann's political work during the event, which included ballet and opera performances. The event took place in the White Hall of the New Palace in Stuttgart. The ceremony included a performance by the Stuttgart Ballet featuring Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. The Green Party won the last state election in March with lead candidate Cem Özdemir, who is seeking a green-black coalition. Kretschmann's political legacy is described as secured. Phyllis Kükrekol reported from Stuttgart.

The first two of three steel sections have been lifted into place for the new Landkraftenbrücke bridge over the A highway. Engineers designed the pillars to be streamlined to prevent debris, such as tree branches, from snagging on the structure.

A defendant in Stuttgart confessed to rape on the first day of his trial. The individual apologized and cited alcohol and drug abuse as contributing factors. The trial is scheduled to resume in May.

Stuttgart Airport has returned to the profit zone earlier than planned, according to airport spokesperson Ulrich Heppe. The airport recorded 9.6 million passengers in 2025, an increase of 500,000 from the previous year.

A new investigation in Germany shows that approximately 7% fewer boys than girls attend Gymnasium. The study indicates this disparity exists largely independently of family background.

A spokesperson for BRSF announced that bids were received from both regional and supra-regional interested buyers before yesterday's deadline. The company will review the offers and conduct negotiations in May. The review process will evaluate economic aspects alongside the buyers' ability and willingness to manage the housing stock for long-term urban development. The sale of the 3,300 company apartments had previously drawn criticism. The sale comes amid a negative economic outlook, with the company reporting its weakest value since 2020. No new specific facts provided in current feeds to update this story.