Robert Habeck, Germany’s vice-chancellor and economy minister, officially announced his bid to challenge Olaf Scholz for the chancellorship in upcoming snap elections on Friday (8 November), despite his Green Party polling at dismal levels.
The Greens were neck-and-neck with Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD) at the last election in 2021 – briefly leading polls. However, they have since slid to around 10% in recent polls, facing tough prospects as they prepare for snap elections in the near future.
“Of course, I know the polls, I know that [our] government has failed,” Habeck said in a video released on YouTube on Friday, referring to the breakdown of Germany’s government coalition this week.
The Greens remained in a minority government with the SPD after the departure of the Free Democrats (FDP).
In times when liberal democracies and “peace and freedom are under pressure,” Habeck said he wanted to make a contribution, stating his intention to visit voters’ kitchen tables to listen to their ideas.
Habeck’s decision had long been an open secret. In July, his only serious rival, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, declared she would not run for chancellor.
‘European indecision’ is over
Three days after the victory of isolationist Donald Trump in the US presidential elections (5 November), Habeck notably leveraged the topic to boost Germany’s engagement with Europe.
“The times of European indecision are over,” he said, declaring that he would prioritise Germany’s role in the continent “so that Europe can take action as a player at this world stage.”
Chancellor Scholz has repeatedly been called out for providing a lack of leadership at the EU level, with Germany’s coalition often appearing to be in disagreement on key European matters.
Habeck’s candidacy will have to be confirmed by his party, which will also elect a new leadership at a conference next week.
[Edited by Martina Monti]
Source: Euractiv.com
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