Malu Dreyer, the long-serving Minister President of Rhineland-Palatinate, is stepping down after nearly 12 years in office.

On her final day, Dreyer visited the Ahr Valley, a region still recovering from devastating floods in 2021. She expressed gratitude to local officials for their efforts in rebuilding.

Dreyer's successor, Alexander Schweitzer, joined her, signaling continuity in the state's commitment to the region.

Despite praise from local leaders, a recent survey indicates dissatisfaction among residents with the government's crisis management and reconstruction efforts.

Dreyer, who has lived with multiple sclerosis for three decades, cited a lack of energy as her reason for retiring.