Haban's Ex-Energy Secretary, Graichen, Aims to Re-enter Politics: Two Years After his Scandalous Testimonial Affair
Former state secretary Grachen prepares comeback to the political sphere
Known as the brain behind the heating law, Patrick Graichen found himself in the eye of the political tempest. However, Habeck's one-time energy secretary was let go following allegations of nepotism. In hindsight, he admits his narrow focus, saying, "In hindsight, I'd say: Even if you work 18 hours a day, you always need to step back three steps and ask yourself 'What am I really doing here?'"
Two years after his dismissal, Graichen reflects on the infamous "witness affair" that led to his ousting in May 2023. Spilling beans to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Graichen admits, "That was my personal error." The controversy erupted over his role in the appointment of a new German Energy Agency head, who turned out to be his witness. The ensuing scandal, combined with growing political pressure, led Habeck to axe Graichen. "Ultimately, the goal was to topple Habeck or at least significantly weaken him," Graichen alleges.
At the time, Graichen was also associated with the controversial so-called heating law, whose initial draft sparked nationwide uproar. He suggests that the backstabbing occurred during budget negotiations for heating replacements, stating, "The central mistake was definitely that we came across as cold technocrats." The coalition was deadlocked in "communicative limbo" for weeks due to the FDP's obstruction, according to Graichen.
Nowadays, Graichen plans a return to climate and energy policy. Addressing the SZ, he asserted, "I can’t just stand on the sidelines and watch as interested circles aim to bring us back into gas dependency and question the target of climate neutrality by 2045." Across the globe, climate policy is undergoing a retreat, says Graichen. "We have reached the phase: ‘The empire strikes back’."
Since his dismissal, Graichen has taken a low-key approach. However, he now serves on the supervisory board of the Ukrainian power grid operator Ukrenergo and is pondering a book about clean electricity versus dirty gas, with the ultimate goal of combating global warming.
: Heat Law, Gas, Robert Habeck
- Possible Insights:
- Although the "witness affair" led to Graichen's dismissal, there has been little elaboration on the details or consequences, as well as his current political intentions.
- Picking up the pieces after his fall, Graichen has found solace in working with Ukrenergo and considering writing a book about the fight for clean electricity.
- The global push against climate policy seems to have repercussions for Graichen, who asserts he can't afford to stay idle.
[1] Without specific sources, I cannot provide detailed, accurate, and up-to-date information about Patrick Graichen's dismissal, its implications, or his current political intentions. To obtain precise, credible insights on this topic, consult official German government releases, credible news outlets specializing in German politics or energy policy, or direct statements from those involved.
- Despite the controversial "witness affair" that led to his dismissal, Graichen continues to advocate for climate and energy policy, criticizing efforts to bring us back into gas dependency and questioning the target of climate neutrality by 2045.
- Apart from his work on the supervisory board of the Ukrainian power grid operator Ukrenergo, Graichen is contemplating writing a book about clean electricity versus dirty gas, aiming to contribute to the fight against global warming.
- With climate policy undergoing a retreat around the world, Graichen assumes a defensive stance, asserting that he cannot afford to stand on the sidelines and watch as interested circles challenge the progress made in the battle against climate-change.
