BERLIN — Germany’s economy minister has expressed his ambition to become the chancellor representing the Green Party in the forthcoming election.
This declaration from Robert Habeck, who also fulfills the role of vice chancellor, comes in the wake of the disintegration of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition that transpired on Wednesday.
The Greens, a smaller political faction, have witnessed a decline in their popularity during recent electoral cycles, with their current support lingering around 10%. At this time, the center-right opposition is leading significantly in the polls.
Consequently, the prospects of Habeck rising to the position of the nation’s leader appear slim. Nevertheless, his candidacy certainly reflects the preparations among German politicians for an impending election following the coalition’s breakdown.
“I am presenting myself as a candidate for the Greens, for the German populace,” Habeck declared in a video shared on X. “If you wish, also as chancellor. However, that decision lies not with me, but with you. Only you can make that choice.”
In a reply to the recent political developments, Scholz outlined a potential timeline that could facilitate an early election by late March, ahead of the regularly scheduled vote in September 2025.
Amid this political turbulence, the opposition is advocating for an immediate confidence vote within parliament to expedite the process. Various leaders in the industry have underscored the necessity for a stable government to be established promptly, particularly as the economy faces challenges and Europe anticipates a leadership transition in the United States.
On Friday, Scholz affirmed his willingness to discuss the timeline surrounding the confidence vote and the subsequent election. He indicated that discussions are underway with various stakeholders, including groups within the German Bundestag and constitutional authorities, to gather insights on their preferences and considerations.
“I am optimistic that we will soon achieve favorable outcomes; that is my hope,” he stated while participating in a meeting in Budapest.
Habeck is aiming for nomination at a party conference scheduled to take place in Wiesbaden next week. Currently, he appears to be devoid of significant rivals for the candidacy after Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock revealed this summer that she would not seek the chancellorship.
Since 2021, Germany has been under the governance of a coalition led by Scholz’s Social Democrats, which also included the smaller pro-business Free Democrats and the environmental Greens.
This coalition has been marked by tension and discord, culminating in its collapse on Wednesday when Scholz made the abrupt decision to dismiss Finance Minister Christian Lindner from the Free Democrats during a late-night meeting, following disputes about strategies to rejuvenate the dwindling economy.
Scholz has indicated hopes of governing with a minority government and has proposed holding a confidence vote in the parliament come mid-January.