Following recent critiques leveled by former Economics Minister Robert Habeck against Bundestag President Julia Klöckner and CSU leader Markus Söder, alongside his announcement to relinquish his seat in the German parliament, the Union bloc – comprising the CDU and CSU – has issued strong rebukes.
Steffen Bilger, the parliamentary group manager for the CDU/CSU, stated that while he personally wished Habeck well for the future, his departure from the political stage appeared to be a struggle to accept the outcome of the recent federal election and his exit from government.
Habeck, in a recent interview, accused Klöckner of consistently fostering polarization and division. He further criticized Söder and the Union for allegedly undermining and destroying the potential for a Black-Green coalition – a reference to a possible alliance between the CDU/CSU and the Green party. He characterized Söder’s political style with pointed remarks.
The CSU also condemned Habeck’s approach to leaving parliament, citing his criticism of Söder as a display of poor political conduct. Alexander Hoffmann, leader of the CSU parliamentary group, suggested that Habeck’s behavior demonstrated why he was never adequately suited for the role of Economics Minister.
However, Michael Kellner, a long-time confidant of Habeck and former executive director of the Green party, defended the former minister’s sharp criticism of the Union. Kellner emphasized Habeck’s commitment to direct communication, arguing there was no reason to abandon that approach now. He suggested that many shared Habeck’s assessment of Klöckner.
Kellner also highlighted Habeck’s unique communication style as one of his key strengths, acknowledging that it had also garnered significant opposition. He described Habeck as an unconventional politician characterized by empathy and authenticity, qualities that both attracted support and provoked rejection.
Kellner believes Habeck suffered from the polarized environment and the degree of opposition directed toward him, particularly given his efforts to bridge divides within society. While acknowledging Habeck’s positive impact on advancing energy transition policies and raising expectations, Kellner stressed that the former minister ultimately failed to achieve his overarching political goal of establishing the Green party as the dominant progressive force in the country. He noted the party struggled to translate their polling numbers into election successes and ultimately fell short, facing considerable resistance.