German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has rejected opposition claims that his government is “slowing” the country’s green transition, insisting that climate protection must not come at the expense of industry, jobs, or national prosperity.
Speaking in a heated Bundestag debate marked by heckling from the Greens, Merz argued for a balanced approach, pointing out that previous policies pushed by the Greens-led economy ministry had imposed extra burdens on businesses already battling economic stagnation.
“Climate protection that jeopardises or even destroys the industrial base of our country … will not be accepted by the population,” Merz said. “Those who ignore this will fail not only in climate protection but also in terms of social cohesion.”
Green lobbyists have criticized the CDU/CSU-SPD coalition over measures such as expanding gas power and reviewing renewable energy subsidies. Yet Merz repeatedly stressed his goal remained greenhouse gas neutrality—achieved through a wide range of technologies including carbon capture and storage—while keeping the economy competitive.
“What we want is climate protection without ideology. That is the difference between us and the last government,” he said, contrasting his pragmatic approach with what he sees as the previous administration’s one-sided push for renewables.
Greens lawmaker Britta Haßelmann accused Merz of wanting to “stifle” renewable energy, calling his policy a “step backwards into the past.” But the chancellor countered that ensuring affordable energy and reviving the crisis-hit economy required “realistic” choices, not slogans.
The debate comes as Germany seeks to exit two years of economic contraction. Polling by the Forsa Institute shows 60% of Germans remain sceptical of Merz personally, but his government argues that a stable industrial base and energy security are prerequisites for long-term environmental goals.
