The end of Germany’s climate crusade

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on POLITICO or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Germany's climate-focused government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, is set to be replaced by a likely coalition under Friedrich Merz of the CDU, who argues green policies have hurt the economy
• Merz plans to separate the economy and climate ministries, signaling a shift away from climate prioritization
• His rise reflects growing political pushback against aggressive green policies amid economic concerns

🔭 The context: Germany had been a leader in climate action, accelerating coal phaseouts and investing billions in clean energy
• However, economic struggles—partly driven by energy price shocks from Russia’s war in Ukraine—have fueled skepticism about stringent climate regulations
• Merz's CDU, though not outright rejecting climate action, prioritizes deregulation and industrial growth over strict green mandates

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Germany’s climate rollback could weaken EU-wide green policies and set a precedent for other nations prioritizing economic recovery over emissions reductions
• The CDU has already campaigned against the EU’s planned 2035 ban on combustion engine cars
• If climate policies lose momentum in Germany, global efforts to meet emissions targets may face setbacks

⏭️ What's next: The CDU will likely need a coalition partner, possibly the Greens, which could moderate drastic climate policy rollbacks
• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, also from the CDU, faces pressure to scale back the EU’s Green Deal
• The outcome will shape Germany’s role in international climate leadership and industrial policy

💬 One quote: "There's less space for moral arguments in German politics in the current economic circumstances." — Sven Giegold, deputy chair of the Green Party

📈 One stat: Germany’s top court blocked €60 billion in government funding meant for climate policies, leaving its green agenda in limbo

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