Katherina Reiche Takes Charge at BMWK: A Farewell to Green Stalwart Robert Habeck
Accolades for Habeck - Compliments from the Successor Reiche
Katherina Reiche, a seasoned energy and politics vet, steps into Robert Habeck's shoes as the head of the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action. Despite being from opposing parties, the two share a mutual respect, with Reiche acknowledging Habeck's H2 industry support and leadership.
Habeck's departure, marked by jubilation, is a testament to his remarkable tenure amidst trying times - the aftermath of the pandemic and the energy crisis brought on by Russia's attack on Ukraine. Facing enormity, Habeck, visibly moved, expressed gratitude towards his team in his farewell address.
Reminding us of the irrefutable link between economy and politics, Habeck underlined the significance of economic prosperity for the stability of democracy. He emphasized that without securing citizens from the constant fear of job loss and poverty, it's hard to maintain optimism and hope.
Praising her predecessor, Reiche anticipated the challenges ahead. The German economy, in its third year of recession, calls for lowering electricity costs for consumers and businesses. With Germany leading the world in climate protection, Reiche sees the need for getting a hold on system costs.
In her bid to steer the ministry towards overseeing and guiding economic policies, Reiche expressed her desire to once again make the BMWK the conscience of the Federal Government.
Sworn in recently, Reiche boasts a decade of experience in the economy. As the CEO of the Association of Municipal Enterprises (VKU) from 2015 to 2019 and the head of Westenergie, a subsidiary of the Eon group since 2000, Reiche is well-equipped to lead during these challenging times.
In Her Own Words
On Habeck's Leadership:
On the German Economy:
On Her Vision:
Table
| Aspect | Details ||--------------------|-----------------------|| Background | Vet in energy and politics, extensive industry experience || Predecessor | Acknowledged and praised Robert Habeck's H2 industry support and leadership || Hydrogen Strategy| Pragmatic approach, further development and implementation of H2 strategies || Economic Focus | Lowering electricity costs, improving trade relationships, maintaining competitiveness |
The Commission, emphasizing the need for further action, is therefore proposing to extend the scope of the programme to cover areas such as hydrogen strategy, lowering electricity costs, and improving trade relationships. This move follows the departure of Robert Habeck, who, visibly moved, expressed gratitude towards his team in his fareword address, as he handed over the reins to Katherina Reiche. As the new head of the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Reiche, a seasoned energy and politics vet, boasts a decade of experience in the industry and sees the need for getting a hold on system costs, as she strives to once again make the BMWK the conscience of the Federal Government in terms of economic policy.
