As the German federal election approaches, the Greens have announced a more aggressive campaign strategy in an effort to remain in government. “We need to take a bit more of a risk now”said Chancellor candidate Robert Habeck in an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
Despite the Greens having gained a few percentage points since the collapse of the Ampel coalition, they still trail the SPD, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, in current polls. Mathematically, it is uncertain whether it would be possible for the Greens to form a coalition with the far-apart CDU, led by Friedrich Merz, which would be the only realistic option at present.
However, the Greens are still pinning their hopes on government participation after the February 23 election, according to Habeck. “I do not want to lead the Greens into opposition, only to attack with 25 percent in the next election”he said, adding, “Playing to win, not to lose – that’s what it’s all about for me.”
The Greens’ recent campaign has been overshadowed by a suspected intrigue within the Berlin state association and Habeck has also faced criticism for an unrefined proposal to tax capital gains with social insurance contributions.