A call for clarity regarding climate policy initiatives is being voiced within the German government. Carsten Schneider, Federal Minister for the Environment, has urged the ruling coalition to swiftly define their future plans, emphasizing the need for decisive action across areas including climate protection programs and adaptation measures.
Speaking to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (FAS), Schneider highlighted the coalition’s obligation to adhere to commitments outlined in their agreement. Recent statements from Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Economics Minister Katherina Reiche, both of the CDU, had fueled concerns regarding the government’s dedication to climate protection, raising parallels to the unresolved issues that contributed to the dissolution of the previous “traffic light” coalition.
Schneider also distanced himself from the policies of former Climate Protection Minister Robert Habeck, detailing a past interaction as East Commissioner. He stated that he had offered collaboration with Patrick Graichen, a later controversial state secretary, recognizing the importance of the eastern region for the energy transition, but that this offer was dismissed. He expressed a desire to move away from polarized debates on climate issues and return to a basis of reason.
Furthermore, Schneider counselled his own party to engage more openly regarding questions of resource allocation. He argued for increased transparency on topics such as unearned income and the responsibility of those benefiting from inherited wealth and avoiding engagement in the workforce. He suggested these issues require broader discussion.