Criticizes the Merz government after its first 100 days, by the Green party
After 100 days in office, the German government, led by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is facing increased criticism from the Green Party. The critique focuses on the government's performance in energy, climate, and foreign policy.
According to recent polls from ntv.de, gut/dpa/AFP, the AfD is now in first place with 26%, while the CDU and CSU together are in second place with 24%. This struggling coalition is facing challenges in reducing the influence of the AfD, as per Merz's self-set goal.
The Green Party has criticized the Merz government as regressive and divisive. Key points of their critique include:
Energy and Climate Policy
Merz’s government has caused confusion and skepticism with its approach to Germany's energy transition and climate neutrality goals. The Chancellor openly questioned whether Germany could meet its 2045 climate neutrality target and opposed the phase-out of nuclear power, calling its earlier decision a "grave strategic mistake." His criticism of EU plans banning fossil-fuel and hybrid vehicles by 2035 and preference for business-friendly adaptations of the European Green Deal contrast with the Greens' ambitious climate agenda. The decision to exclude households and small businesses from electricity tax reductions also drew criticism, as it raises energy costs for ordinary people.
Financial and Political Management
Despite relaxing the constitutional "debt brake" and incurring record new government borrowing, Merz's coalition still faces a significant budget gap and financial constraints, limiting bold policy moves. Coalition infighting, particularly over judicial appointments, echoes earlier instability seen under the previous government, diminishing public confidence. The CDU/CSU coalition recorded low approval ratings, even trailing the far-right AfD in some polls.
Foreign Policy and Arms Exports
Merz’s partial ban on arms exports to Israel amid the Gaza conflict was criticized by the Greens as "too little, too late," reflecting dissatisfaction with what they see as a hesitant and insufficient response to humanitarian concerns. The unilateral nature of Merz’s decision without broad coalition consultation also raised internal and external criticism.
The Green Party leader, Felix Banaszak, accused Economics Minister Katherina Reiche of delaying climate protection and the energy transition. Another Green Party leader, Franziska Brantner, criticized Merz's foreign policy and border controls, stating that the government is imposing real restrictions on people in Europe through the introduction of internal border controls.
Recent polls show that only 29% of respondents are satisfied with Chancellor Merz's work, compared to 43% in May. The black-red government is facing increased dissatisfaction, with the Greens' criticism reflecting concerns over the administration’s ability to navigate Germany’s critical challenges effectively and equitably.
- The Green Party criticizes the Merz government's employment policy in energy and climate sector as regressive, questioning the government's ability to meet Germany's 2045 climate neutrality target and expressing dissatisfaction regarding the phase-out of nuclear power.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation, the Merz government's unilateral decision on arms exports to Israel during the Gaza conflict and the subsequent lack of broad coalition consultation drew criticism from the Green Party, who found it insufficient and not responsive to humanitarian concerns.
- Amidst war-and-conflicts and the ongoing migratory movement, the Green Party has expressed concerns over the Merz government's foreign policy and border controls, particularly the introduction of internal border controls, which they view as restrictions on people in EC countries.
