Criticism escalates: Leader of the Green Party lambasts government following a 100-day period - "Greens' Summit Criticizes Government Severely for Fostering Recession rather than Progress after First 100 Days"
The Green Party leadership has voiced criticism towards the German federal government following its first 100 days in office. The criticism is primarily focused on the government's perceived insufficient ambition and over-reliance on fossil fuels in key areas such as climate protection, energy transition, and foreign policy.
In the realm of climate protection, the Green Party and climate NGOs have condemned the government for delaying or weakening concrete climate action. The government's climate policy, which shifts from sector-specific targets to overall reduction targets, has been criticized for reducing immediate pressure on underperforming sectors like transport and buildings. This approach, they argue, lacks urgent measures for these sectors and has led to lawsuits by environmental groups demanding stronger and faster climate measures.
Regarding the energy transition, the government's "reality check" report, commissioned by the economy ministry, has been criticized for potentially undermining ambitions for renewables expansion. The report, aimed at cost control and energy supply security, has been criticized for justifying a reliance on fossil fuels for longer and reducing the pace of transition to renewable energy sources. The government's plan to financially support gas-fired backup power plants via a capacity market, funded by a new surcharge on electricity consumers, has also been sharply criticized by the Greens as contrary to commitments to reduce electricity costs and counterproductive to green energy goals.
On foreign policy, the Greens' criticism fits within a broader context of disagreeing with the government's emphasis on older industrial strengths and fossil fuel dependency despite evolving geopolitical and ecological challenges. This suggests a need for more progressive climate-conscious foreign policy approaches.
The Green Party's dissatisfaction with the federal government is reflected in a Forsa survey, which shows a significant increase in dissatisfaction with the black-red federal government. Currently, only 29% are satisfied with Chancellor Merz's work, compared to 43% in May. The proportion of those dissatisfied is now 67%.
The black-red federal government has faced significant tensions within the coalition, particularly over the failed appointment of a judge to the Federal Constitutional Court in July. The government's introduction of internal border controls has also been criticized by the Greens, with Franziska Brantner considering this action to be climate politically disastrous and economically nonsensical. Brantner accuses the government of pursuing national solo efforts instead of seeking joint European solutions.
Felix Banaszak, Green Party leader, has criticized Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) for hindering climate protection and the energy transition. Banaszak states that the current policy protects a few but leaves the rest out in the cold. He also accuses the government of lowering the electricity tax for industry but not for private consumers. Katherina Reiche is accused of pouring billions into new fossil fuel power plants, allegedly financed from the climate fund.
In summary, the Green Party leadership views the federal government's first 100 days as marked by hesitation and policies that favor fossil fuels and conventional industries over more aggressive climate action and energy transition. They argue that these policies will harm the climate, competitiveness, and social equity.
The Green Party's criticism of the German federal government extends beyond climate protection and energy transition to encompass broader policy-and-legislation and politics, particularly in regards to the perceived over-reliance on fossil fuels. This criticism is echoed in the general-news sphere, with the Commission being asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as a part of the ongoing debate on implementing stricter environmental policies. The Green Party's calls for more progressive climate-conscious foreign policy approaches are also aligned with the need for broader global changes in response to evolving geopolitical and ecological challenges.
