Senior figures within the Green Party are signaling a potential shift in timelines regarding the planned combustion engine phase-out, while simultaneously urging the German automotive industry to maintain its commitment to electric mobility. Katharina Dröge, parliamentary group leader for the Greens, stated on Sunday in a broadcast that the timing of the engine ban-whether a year earlier or later-was secondary to the overall transition.
Cem Özdemir, the Green Party’s leading candidate for the upcoming state election in Baden-Württemberg and former federal agriculture minister, had previously echoed similar sentiments. Dröge stressed that failing to adapt to the electric mobility trend would place significant pressure on Germany’s automotive sector, one of the nation’s largest industries.
Dröge also criticized the current federal government, alleging an active undermining of climate goals. As an example, she highlighted the proposed termination of subsidies for small-scale solar installations, arguing that this initiative would discourage individual participation in the energy transition. “People can earn money with solar panels on their own roofs” she stated, adding that this policy shift sends a “fatal signal” jeopardizing jobs and long-term planning.
Finally, Dröge reiterated the Green Party’s call for a ban on the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. To that end, the Greens extended an invitation to the parliamentary groups of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Left Party for discussions. While the Left Party and SPD have indicated acceptance, a response from CDU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn is still pending. “If he also says yes, then we can take the next step” Dröge concluded.