The Greens choose Robert Habeck as Chancellor candidate. Scholz, who is still Chancellor, does not appear to be a candidate for the SPD yet.
At the end of their party conference on Sunday, Germany’s Greens nominated Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck as their chancellor candidate for the early federal election on 23 February. In the vote in the congress hall in Wiesbaden, 96.5 percent voted for Habeck as the main candidate.
Even before the freestyle, the approval of more than 800 delegates in the hall was guaranteed. After his hour-long acceptance speech, applause and cheers echoed through the hall for several minutes as he stood. Habeck, the global explainer who is loved not only by the left wing of the party, covered a wide range in his speech about the challenges of the time, about the external and internal enemies of freedom and liberal democracy. “I’m running to make a difference for the Greens, for the German people.” He wants to take responsibility as a candidate and “if it takes us a long time, then also in the chancellorship.”
Already on Saturday, the Greens elected a new bi-party leadership after the resignation of the previous chairman: 78 percent of the delegates voted for the Realo politician Franziska Brantner. Co-leader Felix Banaszak received 93 percent of the votes. The breaking of the traffic light should give the Greens an opportunity. According to the party, over 11,000 new applications have been submitted to the party since last Wednesday.
Habeck on the Chancellor’s question before Olaf Scholz
The request made by Habeck to the chancellor is a dream come true for political opponents. His party, the Greens, is polling between ten and twelve percent. According to current surveys, on the Chancellor’s direct question, the Vice-Chancellor and the Minister of Economy would receive around 20 percent, more than Chancellor Olaf Scholz (16 percent).
The leader of the CDU/CSU, Friedrich Merz, is said to have the best chance of becoming Germany’s next chancellor. According to the current Sunday question, 32 per cent would elect the 69-year-old directly to the chancellorship. His conservative party alliance also achieves the same value. According to the surveys, the second strongest faction would be the right-wing AfD with 19 percent.
The FDP, which Chancellor Scholz kicked out of his government on November 6, must be worried about entering the Bundestag. At the weekend it became clear that the Liberals had been preparing for a long time to break the traffic lights coalition. Party leader and former finance minister Christian Lindner deliberately provoked the expulsion from the government, “Zeit” reported.
Meanwhile, Chancellor and SPD leader Olaf Scholz is coming under increasing pressure within the party. Some of his party colleagues favor current Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to lead the Social Democrats as chancellor candidate. Surveys give him a much better chance of electoral success.
– What are the implications of Robert Habeck’s nomination for the Greens in the German federal elections?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Political Expert on Recent Developments in German Politics
Time.news Editor: Good morning, and welcome to our special coverage of the recent developments in German politics. Today, we’re diving deep into the Greens’ choice of Robert Habeck as their chancellor candidate and the implications this has for the upcoming federal elections. Joining us is Dr. Anna Klein, a political analyst with extensive experience in German politics. Anna, thank you for being here.
Dr. Anna Klein: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss these significant developments.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. The Greens have nominated Robert Habeck as their chancellor candidate, and the vote was overwhelmingly in his favor with 96.5 percent approval. What does this high level of support signal about Habeck’s position within the party?
Dr. Klein: That level of support is quite telling! It highlights not only Habeck’s popularity within the Greens but also reflects the party’s strategic alignment behind him. As the Vice Chancellor and a prominent figure, he has successfully united the party’s factions. His ability to resonate with both the traditional left wing and more centrist members is crucial, especially as the party looks to capitalize on its recent momentum.
Editor: Speaking of momentum, the article mentions a surge of over 11,000 new applications to join the Greens following the breaking of the “traffic light” coalition talks. How significant is this development for the party moving forward?
Dr. Klein: It’s immensely significant! This influx of new members indicates a growing interest in the Green Party, potentially expanding their voter base and influence in the upcoming elections. It also points to a dissatisfaction with the current government or coalition dynamics, especially if people are seeking alternatives. In German politics, mobilizing grassroots support can be a game changer, especially for a party like the Greens, which has historically thrived on strong community engagement.
Editor: Let’s touch on Habeck’s acceptance speech, where he spoke about “the external and internal enemies of freedom and liberal democracy.” How important is this messaging for his campaign?
Dr. Klein: Habeck’s emphasis on freedom and democracy is crucial, particularly in our current climate where populism and authoritarianism are on the rise globally. By framing his campaign around these themes, he positions the Greens as defenders of essential democratic values—a move that might resonate with not only core Green voters but also disillusioned voters from other parties. He’s effectively drawing a line in the sand, signaling that the Greens are prepared to take on challenging issues that may drive other parties into silence.
Editor: It’s also interesting to note that Olaf Scholz, the current Chancellor, has not indicated he will run for his party, the SPD. How does this shift the dynamics of the political landscape for the Greens?
Dr. Klein: Scholz’s silence on the matter is quite telling and creates a power vacuum within the SPD. If he steps back, it may lead to a fragmentation of the party or the emergence of new candidates who may struggle to gain the same level of support. This uncertainty can foster an environment of opportunity for the Greens. As they solidify their identity under Habeck’s leadership, they can draw in votes from undecided or disgruntled SPD supporters, particularly if they can effectively present a compelling vision for the future.
Editor: So, what should we be watching out for as the federal elections approach on February 23rd?
Dr. Klein: A few things. First, the finalization of other party candidates will be key. How the SPD reacts to Scholz’s potential withdrawal will play a significant role in reshaping voter sentiment. Additionally, we should closely observe how Habeck navigates the campaign trail—his ability to mobilize his party’s newfound support will be critical. Lastly, any emerging alliances, shifts in public opinion, and how external factors like the economy or social issues evolve will undoubtedly influence the elections.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Klein, for your insights today. The upcoming months promise to be quite intriguing in German politics, especially with Robert Habeck at the helm of the Greens’ campaign.
Dr. Klein: Absolutely! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these fascinating developments.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay connected for more updates on this evolving story as we approach the federal elections.