Germany’s Green Party intends to significantly sharpen its focus on climate policy as opposition work resumes following the summer recess
Speaking at the opening of a parliamentary group executive meeting in Berlin, Green Party parliamentary group leader Katharina Dröge asserted that climate protection represents a defining issue for future generations, while simultaneously being critically important for Germany’s economic standing and the future of its industries
Dröge leveled criticism at Economics Minister Katherina Reiche, accusing her of pursuing a counterproductive policy direction She argued that a reliance on large-scale fossil gas power plants, without concurrent investment in hydrogen technologies, is damaging to both the environment and the long-term health of the German economy Dröge signaled the possibility of escalating opposition, stating that a continuation of the current approach from Reiche and Chancellor Friedrich Merz could trigger a period of heightened parliamentary resistance to government policy on climate issues this autumn
The government, in response to Dröge’s comments, cautioned against further escalation of political conflict While the Chancellor has outlined plans for an “autumn of reforms” concerns are growing that the governing coalition may instead be entering a period defined by political disagreement and obstruction