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On 1 April 2025, Stephan Weil announced his withdrawal as Minister-President of Lower Saxony. He had led the state since 19 February 2013 and had previously been Lord Mayor of Hanover. He named Economics Minister Olaf Lies as his successor. On 20 May 2025, the state parliament elected Lies as the new Minister-President. The change is an example of the Law of Legacy: a leader’s value also shows in how they pass on their office.
Raising the farewell yourself
Situation
Weil gave personal reasons for the step. The broadcaster ZDF quotes him as saying: “I am 66 years old – and I can feel it.” He had the impression that it was time to slow down. He had already declared earlier that he would not stand again in the 2027 state election.
Link to the law
Legacy begins with saying out loud that your own time in office will end. Those who say openly that their strength has limits make succession a normal topic. Leaders who stay silent about it leave the question to chance.
A successor with long preparation
Situation
Olaf Lies was a member of every state government under Weil. He was Economics Minister from 2013 to 2017, then Environment Minister, and Economics Minister again from November 2022. In 2011, the two had been competitors: in the members’ vote on the lead candidacy, Lies lost by 46.1 to 53.3 per cent.
Link to the law
Successors do not emerge in the final weeks. They grow over years through real tasks. It is remarkable that Weil brought a former rival on board and gave him responsibility. Those who want to leave a legacy keep strong people close to them.
A timetable everyone knows
Situation
With the announcement, the schedule was on the table too. The vote in the state parliament was planned for mid-May, along with a party conference for the change in the state party leadership. The next state election is due in autumn 2027. The successor therefore has more than two years in office.
Link to timing
The timing of a handover should serve the successor, not the predecessor. Those who leave too late give the new person no time to prove themselves. A public timetable also prevents the organisation from hanging in limbo.
The vote in the state parliament
Situation
On 20 May 2025, Lies received 80 votes in the state parliament in Hanover. 74 were needed. The governing coalition held 81 seats. Lies reshuffled the cabinet in individual positions. From the opposition came criticism of the change in the middle of the electoral term.
Link to the law
A handover has succeeded when the successor makes their own decisions from the first day. Part of that is the predecessor not commenting on them. Legacy means handing over the office completely, including the freedom to do things differently.
Key takeaways
Key lessons
- Raise your farewell yourself before others speculate.
- Prepare successors over years with real tasks.
- Bring strong rivals on board instead of keeping them away.
- Choose a moment that gives your successor time.
- Let go and leave the decisions to the new person.
Summary
Stephan Weil handed over his office in an orderly way after a good twelve years. Seven weeks lay between the announcement and the election of the successor. Olaf Lies was prepared by twelve years in the cabinet and received a clear majority. How well the legacy holds will only show after the change.