Climate activist Luisa Neubauer sharply criticized the German government’s heating law plans, directing her criticism specifically at CDU politician Friedrich Merz and Economy Minister Katherina Reiche. On the program “Blome & Pfeffer” Neubauer argued that the lack of commitment to climate protection was evident in Merz, and she extended this critique to Reiche, describing her as a former advocate for the gas industry.
Neubauer asserted that the proposed legislation would undermine both German and European law, arguing that it is impossible to meet either established climate goals or EU requirements regarding building efficiency. She condemned the CDU, stating that the party appeared ready to abandon the principles of the rule of law in service of its “fossil ideology” calling the situation “not just an ecological, but also a democratic drama”.
Furthermore, Neubauer raised concerns about the long-term consequences for future generations. While many people might become interested in heat pumps, she pointed out that millions will continue to rely on fossil-fuel heating systems. According to Neubauer, this trajectory ensures that younger generations who want to take responsibility for achieving climate neutrality will inherit a country that cannot achieve that goal. She dismissed the hope of simply continuing to run fossil-fueled heating systems later with different energy carriers, calling it a “fairy tale”.
Neubauer also expressed profound disappointment regarding the role of the SPD. She warned that it would be a “tragedy” if the SPD adopted this path, noting that while it may be politically popular to simply refrain from giving mandates to the public, this strategy effectively shifts the entire burden of responsibility onto younger generations, which she deemed fundamentally unjust.