Green Party parliamentary group leader Britta Haßelmann released a sharp critique of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), while simultaneously offering support to the increasingly fractured center-right coalition. Speaking to the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” she stated that Merz had historically criticized the current coalition (“Ampelkoalition”) intensely every day. Haßelmann argued that Merz always seemed to know better, but now, she perceived that he was wallowing in self-pity.
Haßelmann elaborated on a pattern she observed in his behavior: first, setting high expectations, followed by public disparagement, and ultimately reducing his potential contribution to something minimal. She claimed this method inevitably disappoints the public. Comparing the situation to a sports game, she remarked that “Friedrich Merz is not on the field”. With regard to Merz’s own claims, Haßelmann noted that he had previously labeled Olaf Scholz as “the plumber of power”. However, she suggested that his current stance showed he failed to live up to his own demanding claims, adding that “a good plumber of power is certainly not visible in the Chancellery”.
Addressing the material conditions for governance, Haßelmann pointed out that Merz’s side was benefiting from the special funds negotiated by the Green Party. She emphasized that the ruling coalition needed to invest significantly in dilapidated infrastructure, climate protection, and the railway system. She argued that such excellent preceding conditions had not been available to Angela Merkel (CDU) or Olaf Scholz (SPD). The fact that so little had actually materialized was, she stated, an oversight that concerned her personally.
The Green spokesperson affirmed the party’s readiness to take responsibility for developing crucial areas that would advance the country, particularly regarding reform of the social security system. However, she strongly criticized the government’s current path, asserting, “What the federal government is doing does not follow a coherent concept and will neither improve people’s lives nor make society more just”.
Haßelmann stressed the necessity of reducing dependency on fossil fuels, stating that this must be done instead of continuing to reinforce the connection. She concluded that “the Chancellor and the coalition are failing here”. While assuring that the Greens were not advocating for the premature end of the government, Haßelmann criticized the attitude of resignation. She stated, “I find it irresponsible to content oneself with things running poorly. My expectation of this government is clear: pull yourselves together and deliver”.
