Lage der Nation - der Politik-Podcast aus Berlin

Interview: Robert Habeck, Bundesminister für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz

·54 min·5 clips

Robert Habeck explains why Germany's economic crisis didn't happen overnight but from multiple long-term structural failures.

The episode is an interview with Robert Habeck, Germany's Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the Green Party's chancellor candidate for the 2025 federal election. Hosts Ulf Buermeyer and Philip Banse introduce the political context, noting polls show a potential black-green coalition could achieve an absolute majority. Habeck begins by discussing the election landscape and the end of the traffic light coalition. He then provides a detailed analysis of Germany's economic situation, arguing the crisis stems from multiple long-term factors: the loss of cheap Russian gas, weakened global exports, Chinese competition, and lagging digitalization and infrastructure investment. Habeck states the measures taken by the traffic light government were correct but insufficient. When asked about his first actions if chancellor, he emphasizes improving competitiveness through tax incentives for investment and making Germany more attractive for skilled workers. The conversation shifts to climate policy and potential coalition with the CDU/CSU. Habeck defines non-negotiable red lines: no weakening of the 2045 climate neutrality target, no slowdown in renewable energy expansion, and no return to nuclear power. He clarifies a recent proposal on wind power, explaining it aims to concentrate projects in designated zones, not slow expansion. Habeck reflects on the heated debate over the building energy law (heating law), admitting he focused too much on technical details and failed to communicate effectively with the public. He contrasts his role as vice chancellor, where he defended government compromises, with his current campaign stance where he speaks more freely. The hosts raise concerns about economic anxiety and democratic stability, referencing the US election. Habeck proposes specific measures to make life more affordable: abolishing the electricity tax, maintaining the 49-euro Germany ticket, extending rent controls, and building more affordable housing. He advocates for 'climate money' as a social compensation mechanism for rising CO2 prices. On financing infrastructure and defense investments, Habeck argues for circumventing the debt brake through a special fund, as these are long-term generational investments. He also supports tax reforms, including a billionaire tax, closing inheritance tax loopholes, and eliminating tax avoidance schemes like share deals. The interview concludes with foreign policy, focusing on the Ukraine war. Habeck describes his 2021 visit to Ukraine, highlighting the gap between German political discourse and Ukrainian reality. He argues the core conflict is about Ukrainian sovereignty and democratic self-determination, which Putin cannot accept. Habeck states the goal is to put Ukraine in a position to negotiate from strength, not submission. Finally, on defense, he reluctantly acknowledges the need for increased military spending and a stronger defense industry, despite his pacifist background, due to the current security threat.

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