Habeck is adjusting the assertions made by his Green party leader.
Despite the summer break, the administration is still grappling with numerous issues. Economics Minister Habeck voices discontent with the budget settlement and forewarns of potential disintegration of the traffic light coalition. He expresses reluctance for the coalition to be viewed as a "temporary government."
Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck expressed dissatisfaction with the budget negotiations outcome of the traffic light alliance. "Typically, a budget is approved with a 2% deficit, that's around 9 billion euros," the Green politician informed the Funke media group. "A 12 billion deficit is quite unusual. It was due to excessive commitments that we weren't able to minimize it yet."
The traffic light parties – SPD, Greens, and FDP – failed to reach an agreement on how to close the disparity further. This gap is considerably larger than in past years, causing the government to rely on some of the projected expenditures not being utilized.
Habeck cautioned the traffic light parties against treading carelessly with new elections. "Flirting with new elections isn't an option," he stated. "Considering the Basic Law mandates a Bundestag to serve for four years." The Vice-Chancellor strongly urged the coalition to fulfill its duties. "Just like millions of individuals do their jobs, with resilience, focus, and determination to get things done," he said. "I, for one, am committed to this."
"New era has yet to arrive"
Economics Minister Habeck clarified the Green Party leader Omid Nouripour's remark that the traffic light coalition is a "caretaker government." Nouripour had alluded to the post-Merkel era. "After sixteen years, Germany is in a transitional phase," said Habeck, referencing former Chancellor Angela Merkel. "The Merkel era has concluded, but the new era has yet to be established."
The traffic light coalition needs to rectify the decisions Merkel's administration neglected. "We have indeed made progress," stated Habeck. "However, the crises have only intensified. Germany must define its geopolitical role in Europe and the world. To achieve this, we must rally political support for the subsequent legislative period." When inquired if there could still be a traffic light era, Habeck replied: "Nobody can predict the political outcome in September 2025."
Potential Green Chancellor candidate?
Habeck did not dismiss the possibility of being the Greens' chancellor candidate to Funke newspapers. "It is about the kind of country we aspire to be. Then, the individual perfectly suited for the role of Federal Chancellor will be chosen," he stated. "I was elected as a minister for four years. The election campaign will take place at a later stage."
When asked if the Greens will even field a chancellor candidate for the 2025 federal election, the Vice-Chancellor said: "My party and I will address these questions in due time."
The traffic light coalition, consisting of SPD, Greens, and FDP, is facing challenges in closing the large budget deficit gap and avoiding new elections, as cautioned by Economics Minister Habeck. Habeck also emphasized that Germany is in a transitional phase after sixteen years under former Chancellor Angela Merkel, and a new era has yet to be established.
