Georg Maier to Step Down as Leader of Germany's Social Democratic Party in Thuringia

In Germany, Georg Maier, the leader of the Social Democratic Party in Thuringia, has announced he will not run for re-election as state party chairman at the party congress on November 21. He will continue as interior minister. Maier cited increasing ministerial responsibilities and family considerations. He has proposed Katharina Schenk, the state's social affairs minister, as his successor. Schenk, who is also deputy party leader, has expressed willingness to take on the role.