After intense budget negotiations, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck voiced his frustration with FDP leader Christian Lindner and also took aim at CSU leader Markus Söder, accusing him of “deep ignorance” on key issues.
During a public dialogue session, Robert Habeck, Germany’s Economy Minister, sharply criticized politicians from the FDP and CSU, with Finance Minister Christian Lindner being his main target. Habeck declared that Lindner would never serve as his Finance Minister if he were ever to become Chancellor. This remark was a direct response to Lindner’s earlier statement, in which he opposed the idea of a coalition under green leadership. Habeck sarcastically agreed with Lindner’s sentiment, adding fuel to the ongoing tension between the two.
Habeck optimistic about debt brake reform in 2025
Habeck also expressed optimism about the possibility of reforming Germany’s debt brake by 2025. He noted that while most economists and major economic institutions support such a reform, the political landscape has yet to catch up. However, he remains confident that change will occur, though he emphasized that this should not lead to reckless spending. Within the coalition, the Greens and SPD favor reform, while Lindner’s FDP remains firmly opposed.
Habeck’s stance on Söder and Bavaria’s energy needs
In addition to his comments on Lindner, Habeck criticized Bavarian Premier Markus Söder, claiming that he could no longer take Söder seriously on substantive issues. Habeck accused Söder of showing “deep ignorance” regarding energy infrastructure, particularly the development of a hydrogen network. He argued that Bavaria is dependent on the rest of Germany for energy, with wind energy and hydrogen pipelines from northern Germany crucial for Bavaria’s power supply. Habeck concluded that Söder should be thanking the rest of the country for keeping Bavaria’s economy running.
CSU’s response to Habeck’s comments
The CSU quickly responded to Habeck’s remarks. CSU General Secretary Martin Huber called Habeck the “worst Economy Minister Germany has ever had” and accused him of harboring an anti-Bavarian bias. Huber claimed that Habeck’s policies have weakened Germany’s once-strong economy, turning it into a “lame horse.”
