The leadership of the Green Party is intensifying scrutiny of Economics Minister Katarina Reiche (CDU), signaling a deepening rift within Germany’s governing coalition. Green Party leader Felix Banaszak delivered a scathing critique of Reiche’s performance, suggesting her tenure has been actively detrimental to Germany’s economic prospects.
In an interview with the “Rheinische Post”, Banaszak asserted that Reiche has not just failed to meet expectations but has “maximally undershot” them. He dismissed the minister’s public pronouncements as mere rhetoric, arguing that “catchy phrases do not replace credible action”. He further contended that Germany, as a leading industrial nation, simply cannot afford a minister lacking ambition.
Speculation is already swirling regarding a potential government reshuffle and Banaszak’s comments appear to lend significant weight to the possibility of Reiche’s departure. He expressed a degree of optimism regarding such a scenario, stating that any change would be “good news.
Central to Banaszak’s criticism is Reiche’s perceived obstruction of crucial energy policy decisions. He specifically targeted the delayed development of a power plant strategy, accusing Reiche of dragging her feet and effectively wasting valuable time. He highlighted the irony of Reiche now announcing a power plant strategy that, in its essence, mirrors a plan developed months ago by her predecessor and languishing in her files.
Banasak’s remarks underscore a growing strategic disagreement within the “black-red” coalition – the alliance between Chancellor Scholz’s SPD (Social Democrats) and the CDU – regarding the pace and direction of Germany’s energy transition. The Green Party’s frustration points to concerns that Reiche’s cautious approach is hindering Germany’s ability to meet its climate goals and maintain its competitive edge in the global economy, potentially creating further instability within the fragile governing majority. The increasingly public nature of these criticisms raises questions about the CDU’s influence within the government and the Chancellor’s capacity to mediate internal tensions.