A prominent figure within the German Green Party is calling for a reassessment of the party’s climate policy approach. Ralf Fücks, a long-standing member and former chair of the Heinrich Böll Foundation, argues that shifting societal concerns necessitate a revised strategy.
Speaking to “Focus” magazine, Fücks explained that anxieties surrounding economic decline, migration and geopolitical instability are now outweighing climate concerns for many citizens. He emphasized the altered economic landscape compared to earlier periods, highlighting the increased importance of cost considerations in climate policy. “If that isn’t realized, ecological policy will run into a wall” he stated.
Fücks, currently director of the think tank Zentrum Liberale Moderne, suggests a need for “honest” climate policy that acknowledges costs, potential conflicts with other priorities and realistic future developments. He advocates for a pragmatic communication strategy that avoids resignation or fatalism.
The call for a new direction comes after recent electoral setbacks for the Green Party. In February’s federal election, the party secured only 11.6 percent of second votes – a decrease of 3.1 percentage points from 2021 – resulting in the loss of government responsibility. Key figures within the party, including Robert Habeck and Annalena Baerbock, have stepped back from frontline political roles. Fücks suggests the party needs to develop a more compelling narrative that links progress with practical solutions.
