Ahead of the German Chancellor’s trip to COP30, many players are trying to make the climate issue attractive to Friedrich Merz. Their arguments emphasize national security, protecting the economy, German interests and respect for laws and treaties.
By Bernhard Pötter
Vor der Kanzlerreise zur COP30 versuchen viele Akteure, das Klimathema für Friedrich Merz attraktiv zu machen. Die Argumente betonen nationale Sicherheit, den Schutz der Wirtschaft, deutsche Interessen und den Respekt vor Gesetzen und Verträgen.
By Bernhard Pötter
The German government's coalition contract has received a significant amendment. The first version virtually ruled out the use of Chinese components in German critical infrastructure. The new draft offers more options.
By Angela Köckritz
The climate wing of the CDU/CSU has re-elected its old board: Thomas Heilmann will continue to lead the "Climate Union" to defend emissions trading and urge the CDU/CSU-led federal government to do more to protect the climate.
By Bernhard Pötter
Will Germany's new foreign minister Johann Wadephul pursue a tougher China policy? What his speeches reveal and how his relationship with the Chancellor could develop.
By Redaktion Table
Climate action will likely play a much smaller role in the next German government than under the previous one. This is suggested by the coalition contract, the distribution of responsibilities, and the minimal mention of this topic. While climate action will return to the Ministry of the Environment (SPD), the energy agenda will remain in the CDU-led Ministry of Economic Affairs.
By Bernhard Pötter
The incoming German government is pushing for the “observance of agreed rules” and “full reciprocity” in its future dealings with China. To enforce this, the coalition is relying on a revised China strategy.
By Amelie Richter
Not only the CDU/CSU and SPD, but also the EU is planning further tightening of asylum policy. The European Commission wants to present its plans for more deportations in Strasbourg.
By Eric Bonse
Business associations, NGOs and think tanks are calling on the next German government to make more efforts in climate policy: The financial leeway must be increased by reforming the debt brake, electricity prices should fall and good framework conditions and political continuity for investments should be created.
By Redaktion Table
According to a new analysis, most of the parties' election manifestos are very unclear when it comes to financing climate action. Most parties also want to do too little about climate-damaging subsidies.
By Nico Beckert
