The criticism of the Union’s chancellor candidate, Friedrich Merz, has not subsided, even after his belated admission to green steel. SPD General Secretary Matthias Miersch told the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” that Merz’s doubts are “highly reckless.” The CDU candidate lacks not only government experience, but also “any compass for industrial policy.”
Merz’s statement, “I personally don’t believe in the rapid switch to hydrogen-based steel being successful” has sparked controversy. He questioned the availability of hydrogen for sustainable steel production, which Miersch saw as a sign of Merz’s lack of understanding. The SPD official also criticized the CDU’s previous record, stating that the party had “killed” investment in wind and solar power during its coalition with the FDP, thus undermining the energy transition.
Merz’s about-face, from skepticism to support for green steel, has been met with criticism. CSU Land Group leader Alexander Dobrindt described green steel as an “irreversible path.” Miersch, however, sees Merz’s reversal as a sign of the Union’s lack of a plan for the future of the industry, which endangers jobs that need to be saved.
The Union’s demand for the production of climate-neutral steel through carbon capture and storage (CCS) was also met with skepticism. Miersch relativized the importance of CCS, stating that it is an option for industries that cannot find alternative ways to reduce emissions, but it is “extremely expensive and definitely not a long-term solution.