Ahead of the upcoming state elections in Saxony‑Anhalt and Mecklenburg‑Western Pomerania, Henriette Held – the spokesperson for the Green Youth – took her own party to task.
“Only in the east do the Greens suffer a particular problem of moral arrogance” she told the Watson news portal. She argued that politics in East Germany must be made not only for, but also with the people on the ground.
Held called for concrete actions, including organising local events. “The AfD does it better” she said. “They establish themselves locally and create meeting places. I’m thinking of the many town festivals in MV – they’re organized by the AfD, not the Greens. Those events offer free bratwurst, inflatable castles and music”.
Despite her criticism, she praised the initiative of Green party chair Felix Banaszak, who has opened an additional office in Brandenburg. “It’s a sound approach because both the Greens and, indeed, the Green Youth still struggle with on‑site visibility” she added.
Held has been serving as national spokesperson for the Green Youth alongside Luis Bobga since October 2025.