As the federal election in two weeks approaches, the CDU and CSU have intensified their attacks on Economy Minister Robert Habeck. According to a report by the “Rheinische Post” (online), the Union has submitted 104 questions to the federal government regarding the minister’s tenure and policy as a Green.
Among the questions, the Union is inquiring about the influence of lobby groups on the minister’s policy. Specifically, they want to know if former employees, functionaries and activists of the 22 organizations, including Greenpeace, Environmental Aid, or Agora Energiewende, have been appointed to higher positions in federal ministries and authorities and if so, how many.
Moreover, the Union has submitted numerous questions on the shrinking economy, competitiveness and the growth of bureaucracy. The faction of Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz (CDU) accuses Habeck in the paper of being driven by the idea of a “shaping state.” As a result, a “dirigist” approach has led to a significant increase in bureaucracy. Furthermore, the minister has consistently requested more funds for subsidies and has repeatedly questioned the constitutionally protected debt brake.