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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on POLITICO or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Friedrich Merz, Germany’s likely next chancellor, has vowed to shift economic policies away from prioritizing climate protection, arguing that recent measures under Olaf Scholz's government threaten industrial competitiveness
• Merz opposes rapid coal and nuclear phaseouts without viable alternatives, advocating instead for carbon capture over renewable hydrogen in industries like steel production
🔭 The context: Germany’s outgoing government aimed to phase out coal by 2030 and heavily invested in renewables and green technologies, becoming a leader in solar, wind, and heat pump production
• Merz’s CDU/CSU leads polls at 31%, but will likely need a coalition with pro-climate parties like the Greens or SPD, whose policies he criticizes
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Rolling back green policies could undermine Germany's progress toward climate neutrality and weaken its position as a leader in clean technology
• Critics argue such a pivot risks reversing significant investments in renewable energy and green steel, which are vital for reducing emissions
⏭️ What's next: Germany's snap election on February 23 will decide whether Merz’s CDU/CSU forms a coalition with climate-focused parties
• The outcome will shape Europe’s largest economy's climate trajectory and its role in global sustainability efforts
💬 One quote: “Anyone who wants to dial back now will destroy billion-euro investments and tens of thousands of jobs,” - Anke Rehlinger, premier of Saarland
📈 One stat: Germany leads Europe in green infrastructure production and holds the second-largest capacity for heat pump manufacturing, behind Italy
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