German Greens want ‘180-degree turnaround’ from Merz on climate policy

The co-leader of Germany’s Green party has called on Chancellor Friedrich Merz to instigate a “180-degree turnaround” in climate change policy after Europe’s record-breaking summer of heat.

“After weeks of silence, Friedrich Merz has, for the first time, openly acknowledged the devastating effects of the climate crisis,” Felix Banaszak said on Monday.

The comments referred to the chancellor’s weekend visit to the Hürtgen Forest in western Germany, which was razed by a major forest fire last week. Merz faced criticism for his absence during his three-week summer break.

Banaszak has criticized Merz for having done everything in his power over the past few months, together with Economy Minister Katherina Reiche, to slow down the climate transition and to block ambitious measures at the European level.

“What’s needed now is a 180-degree turnaround,” the Green politician said.

Everywhere in Germany, he said, he has met people who feel the federal government is leaving them to cope with the heat, drought and low water levels on their own.

Friedrich Merz must now regain the trust of citizens and “prove that sensible policy triumphs over ideology,” Banaszak stated, noting that the chancellor will only be credible if he uses this acknowledgement to bring about a fundamental change of course in climate and energy policy, ideally as early as this week’s Cabinet retreat.

During his visit to the Eifel municipality on Saturday, Merz said: “And I want to say to all climate change deniers: take a good look at exactly what has happened here.”