The nascent climate policies of Germany’s governing coalition have drawn sharp criticism from within the Green Party, raising questions about the direction and effectiveness of environmental protection efforts. Katharina Dröge, parliamentary group leader for the Greens in the Bundestag, voiced her disappointment in a recent interview, stating that she had anticipated stagnation, but is now observing a clear “regression” in key areas.
Dröge specifically pointed to a slowdown in the expansion of renewable energy sources, alongside a lack of progress in promoting electric mobility and facilitating the transition to alternative heating systems. She argued that these setbacks not only undermine Germany’s climate goals but also damage its industrial competitiveness and ultimately increase costs for citizens. “This harms the industrial location, climate protection and makes life for the people more expensive” she declared.
The assessment reflects a growing unease within the Green Party concerning the compromises necessary to maintain the fragile coalition government between the Social Democrats (SPD), the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Greens. The criticism implicitly contrasts the current administration’s approach with previous governments, with Bundestag Vice-President Omid Nouripour reportedly suggesting that the previous conservative-led government, under Merz and Klingbeil, demonstrated a less detrimental pace. “In comparison to the Merz/Klingbeil government, the Ampel coalition was not so bad and Olaf Scholz’s communication was certainly better than Friedrich Merz’s” he remarked.
Looking ahead, the party acknowledges the need for a shift in strategy. Felix Banaszak, the Green Party’s leader, characterized 2025 as a year of learning, emphasizing that persuasive communication requires an emotional connection. “Arguments are good, but they don’t replace emotions. People don’t want to be lectured and convinced; they want to be won over” he stated. This sentiment underscores a recognition that simply presenting data and policy benefits is not sufficient to garner public support for often-unpopular environmental measures.
The anticipation of a busy 2026 – an election year for numerous regions – suggests an intensive period of campaigning and grassroots engagement for the Green Party, likely focusing on reconnecting with voters and addressing the concerns voiced by Dröge and others about the coalition’s climate trajectory. Dröge indicated this through mentioning the prospect of extensive travel and opportunities to connect with diverse communities across the country. The coming months will be crucial for the Green Party to recalibrate its strategy and demonstrate its commitment to a more ambitious climate agenda.
