The Green Party’s federal convention continues in Hanover today, marked by internal debate and sharp criticism directed at Germany’s ruling coalition. The convention, which began yesterday, has laid bare growing tensions within the party and the broader political landscape, revealing a divergence in perspectives on economic policy, foreign relations and social welfare.
Yesterday’s opening session saw Green Party co-leader Franziska Brantner launch a scathing critique of the Social Democrat-led (SPD) government. Brantner argued that Germany’s economy has been in a state of stagnation for years, while wealth inequality continues to widen, with a significant proportion of children living in poverty. She specifically accused the government of failing younger generations, forcing them to subsidize past political choices and environmental shortcomings.
Her remarks signify a deepening rift within the ruling alliance, with the Greens increasingly vocal about perceived shortcomings of the SPD’s economic policies. Brantner’s call for substantial reforms to the pension system, hinting at potential extensions to working lives, represents a significant departure from traditional Green positions and underscores the urgency she feels regarding long-term fiscal sustainability. She framed it as a matter of intergenerational fairness, arguing that current generations shouldn’t disproportionately burden the next.
Co-leader Felix Banaszak echoed the need to rebuild public trust and clearly define the party’s identity. He emphasized the importance of maintaining an ambitious environmental agenda, recognizing a growing perception – both internally and externally – that the party’s effectiveness is waning.
The convention’s agenda for today focuses on climate and energy policy, with an explicit commitment to ensuring a “socially just” approach. However, the evening session, dedicated to foreign policy, is expected to be particularly contentious. Discussions surrounding Germany’s defense posture and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East are anticipated to spark vigorous debate. Strong criticism was already voiced regarding US President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan, which Brantner denounced as a “betrayal.
Beyond policy discussions, the delegates also approved a measure to revoke health insurance coverage for homeopathic treatments and advocated for a mandatory identification system for police officers, signaling a broader focus on social reform and accountability. The convention’s unfolding reveals a Green Party grappling with internal pressures and seeking to reassert its influence within a shifting political environment.
