In a recent podcast interview with ntv, Tübingen’s Mayor, Boris Palmer, announced that he will no longer be making electoral recommendations for his former party, the Greens. Instead, he expressed support for Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz as the next German Chancellor.
Palmer, a former Green Party politician, emphasized the need for a significant shift in migration and economic policies. “I want a real course correction in migration and, above all, economic policy” he said. “For that, I wish Merz a strong mandate, because going on as before is not an option.”
Palmer also made a distinction between his personal preference for Green Party leader Robert Habeck as Chancellor and his assessment of Habeck’s suitability for the office. “I know Habeck for 20 years and highly esteem him” Palmer said. “As a person, I would prefer him as Chancellor.” However, he believes that Habeck is burdened with too much baggage from the Greens, which would hinder his ability to effectively lead the country.
According to Palmer, a Green Chancellor would not be the best solution, particularly in the areas of migration and economic policy. Nevertheless, he advocates for Habeck to remain a minister and the Greens to be part of the federal government. “I believe that climate protection will not work without the Greens” Palmer said. “For me, Black-Green is the better alternative compared to Black-Red.