The CDU’s Federal Chairman, Dennis Radtke, has come to the defense of the CDU’s Chancellor candidate, Friedrich Merz, against criticism of his remarks on steel production in Germany. Radtke stated in an interview with the “Berlin Playbook” podcast of Politico that one cannot assume a 100% production of green steel in Germany in the near future. “If we were to apply the color theory, then Friedrich Merz would unfortunately be right in his skepticism. And that cannot be our goal – neither mine nor the CDU’s as a whole” he said.
Merz had previously questioned the feasibility of a swift transition to a hydrogen-based steel production. Green steel is a type of sustainably produced steel, often made using green hydrogen, which is produced using only renewable energy sources. Unlike blue or gray hydrogen, the production of green hydrogen is CO2-free.
According to Radtke, there is a lot to be done to ensure that German and EU steel remains competitive. “We need to reduce energy costs in Germany in a sustainable way, and the European Union must discuss trade protection instruments” he said. He also emphasized the need for a European steel summit, where industry, unions, and company boards can come to concrete agreements on the steps to be taken.
Radtke expressed his expectations for both the European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, and the new German government, which is likely to be led by Merz, saying he will do everything to ensure Merz becomes the next Chancellor. After that, Radtke plans to continue advocating for Merz to be a successful Chancellor, “a Chancellor of the steel industry, a Chancellor of the workers.