In a heated debate at the Bundestag, Grünen-Fraktionschefin Katharina Dröge criticized Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz for his perceived failures in climate protection and electricity tax reduction. Dröge accused Merz of neglecting his responsibility to future generations amid the escalating climate crisis. She highlighted her concerns over subsidies for fossil gas, new gas drilling initiatives, and the shifting of funds intended for railways to road projects, all of which contradict efforts to combat climate change. Additionally, Dröge condemned Merz’s reluctance to phase out coal and his attempts to dilute the heating law, despite the increasing visibility of climate change impacts like water shortages and floods.
Dröge also criticized the government’s decision against a general reduction in electricity tax, which she deemed crucial for both businesses and families struggling with rising costs. She described the coalition’s handling of this issue as chaotic and accused the Unionsfraktion of disarray. Furthermore, Dröge called for an investigation into the mask procurement scandal involving Jens Spahn, which allegedly cost the federal budget billions. She urged Merz to support an inquiry, as the Greens and the Left Party lack sufficient votes to pursue it independently.
Meanwhile, AfD leader Alice Weidel accused Merz of breaking promises and perpetuating the previous administration’s policies, calling it the "biggest electoral fraud in German history." SPD figures like Dirk Wiese and Matthias Miersch voiced their positions on fiscal policies, including advocating for a digital tax on tech giants and stressing the need for budget discipline despite defense spending exceptions. These debates underscore the tensions and challenges facing Germany’s political landscape as leaders grapple with pressing issues of climate change, fiscal policy, and governance.
