Habeck expresses discontent with traffic signals, exhibiting his frustration.
Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck views the disagreements within the traffic light coalition as a hindrance to economic recovery. He noted at a public dialogue that these disputes are harmful, even hindering Germany's economic growth. The Green politician expressed concern about uncertainty around whether decisions would be implemented. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Finance Minister Christian Lindner, and Habeck himself are all aware of this issue.
Scholz also acknowledged the challenges in coalition cooperation. While the "traffic light" coalition has proposed numerous laws to modernize the country, "all these decisions were hard-fought," Scholz stated in the SAT.1 show ":newstime Spezial" to be broadcast that evening. The ongoing argumentating within the coalition distracts from the real progress: "You always have to worry that the smoke from the battlefield, so to speak, obscures what has really happened."
Habeck also responded to Lindner's statements at the public dialogue. The FDP leader had ruled out his party's participation in a possible coalition under Green leadership. "Yes, we agree on that," Habeck responded. "If I ever become Chancellor, Christian Lindner will not be Finance Minister." Habeck is seen as the most likely Green candidate in the next federal election. Lindner, Habeck, and Scholz have had challenging negotiations over a new budget compromise for 2025.
Germany is currently experiencing an economic slump. The traffic light coalition plans to implement measures to boost the economy, but nothing has been executed as of yet. FDP leader Lindner described the budget negotiations within the federal government as "extraordinarily challenging." "We've reached our limits in every respect, and the political differences are there." Green leader Omid Nouripour labeled the traffic light coalition as "a transitional coalition after the Merkel era."
The government's proposed budget still contains billions in deficits. Controversial topics include child basic security, debt brake, and citizen's income. Habeck suggested that they would explore a new attempt to find a solution. Then, it could be seen "if it would get a little better towards the end of this legislature." This is what Habeck hoped.
However, Habeck also criticized Bavaria's Minister-President Markus Söder. "Content-wise, I can no longer take Markus Söder seriously," Habeck said at the meeting with citizens in his ministry. The economics minister was asked why Söder suspected discrimination in location questions, such as building a hydrogen network.
Bavaria relies on the rest of Germany in energy matters. Habeck pointed to Bavaria's delay in wind energy development. Federal laws now also apply to Bavaria. Companies in Bavaria had stated two years ago that wind expansion needed to be expanded, blocking regulations needed to be removed, and they enforced this as well.
The power lines being constructed from North, East, and West Germany to Bavaria are meant to supply Bavaria with energy. The hydrogen pipelines will also be filled in the north. "So if anyone has reason to say: 'Thanks Germany for helping us keep our economy going,' it's Markus Söder. To say we're disadvantaging him shows profound ignorance."
CSU General Secretary Martin Huber responded to Habeck's remarks: "Robert Habeck is the worst economics minister the Federal Republic has ever had." His lack of planning is "the nail in the coffin" for entire industries. Furthermore, Habeck, according to Huber, displays his "Bavaria-hostility" and "disadvantages the powerhouse of the German economy." "In just three years, Robert Habeck has turned Germany's economic powerhouse into a lame horse," said Huber.
Despite expressing his disagreements with Bavaria's Minister-President Markus Söder, Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck emphasized that Bavaria would benefit from the energy supply lines coming from North, East, and West Germany. I'm not going to let anyone misinterpret our actions as disadvantaging Bavaria.
