Ricarda Lang, former co-leader of the Green Party, has criticized Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU), characterizing her as a “polarization entrepreneur”. In a recent podcast with “Stern”, Lang expressed concerns that Klöckner is prioritizing “outrage debates and symbolic debates” over addressing the real-world issues faced by many citizens. She argued that these debates are creating divisions both within the democratic spectrum and throughout society.
According to Lang, a Bundestag President should embody the democracy as a whole and stand above partisan conflict. She contrasted Klöckner’s approach with those of her predecessors, Wolfgang Schäuble and Norbert Lammert, both of whom held conservative positions but presented them in a way that she felt fostered societal progress.
Addressing the recurring discussion about whether left-leaning policies contributed to the rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), Lang dismissed the theory as overly simplistic. She stated that the conservative parties, particularly their actions regarding migration policy culminating in votes aligned with the AfD, bear substantial responsibility. She cautioned against attributing sole blame to AfD leader Friedrich Merz, emphasizing that the party’s support doubled during the period the Greens were part of the government.
Lang also spoke about her decision to step down from a leadership role, describing it as liberating but also acknowledging the pain of relinquishing power. She expressed frustration observing current government actions, citing concerns about plans for climate protection penalties drawn from the climate fund, attempts to curtail renewable energy expansion and limitations on family reunification. She stated she would like to be able to participate in these decisions.
