In a recent interview with WELT AM SONNTAG, Katharina Dröge, one of the co-leaders of the Green parliamentary group in the Bundestag, discussed the party’s visibility in the government coalition known as the Ampel. With key figures like Robert Habeck and Annalena Baerbock leading important ministries, the Greens have become a dominant force in the coalition. Dröge highlighted Baerbock’s role as Foreign Minister during challenging times of conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of their party’s role in addressing critical issues.
Dröge also addressed criticisms of the Greens’ perceived power in the government, acknowledging the political polarization in the country. She emphasized the need for addressing pressing issues such as independence from Russia, climate protection, and economic modernization, despite the controversies that may arise. Dröge expressed concern over the increase in opposition to the party’s policies but stressed the importance of engaging with critical voices while continuing to uphold their core values.
The interview delved into the ongoing debates within the Ampel coalition, particularly regarding the Greens’ focus on strengthening the economy and promoting social justice. Dröge highlighted initiatives such as the Startchancen program for schools and the importance of affordable housing. The recent agreement on climate protection was also discussed, with Dröge addressing challenges and unnecessary hurdles in the negotiations, particularly in relation to threats of potential measures like vehicle bans from the FDP Minister of Transport.
Further conversations revolved around key topics such as the recent decisions on cannabis legalization and the self-determination law, reflecting the Greens’ commitment to addressing societal issues. The potential reform of abortion laws was also mentioned as a topic for future legislative discussions. Dröge emphasized the need for informed debates on sensitive issues like abortion laws and medical care for women.
The interview also touched upon the contentious issue of the children’s basic income initiative, with disagreements within the coalition over the implementation and financial implications. Dröge highlighted the need for comprehensive support for children in poverty and the complexities of balancing government budgets amid financial constraints. The discussions on additional revenue generation and modernization of the debt brake mechanism were mentioned as potential strategies to address budgetary challenges.
In the context of broader economic and geopolitical concerns, Dröge discussed proposals for reforming the debt brake and generating additional revenues to support key sectors like defense. The interview shed light on the Green party’s position on contentious topics such as the conscription debate and the potential leadership in the upcoming federal election campaign. Dröge emphasized the party’s commitment to collective decision-making and addressing societal challenges with a focus on progressive policies.
