(de-news.net) – On Sunday, the Green Party continued its three-day federal convention in Hanover, devoting the concluding session to deliberations on proposals concerning fiscal and energy policy. The day was marked by anticipation surrounding the address of former agriculture minister Cem Özdemir, who is designated as the party’s lead candidate in the forthcoming state election in Baden-Württemberg. His intervention was expected to provide strategic orientation on industrial and economic matters.
The convention had commenced on Friday with pronounced criticism of the governing coalition. Party chair Franziska Brantner asserted that the federal administration had presided over a prolonged phase of economic stagnation, during which social inequality had deepened and child poverty remained alarmingly high. She emphasized that the concentration of wealth among the affluent was intensifying, while broader sections of society were left behind. Co-chair Felix Banaszak reinforced this critique by stressing that the party must sharpen its political profile and enhance its visibility in the national discourse.
Saturday’s proceedings were dominated by foreign policy debates. Delegates resolved to underscore more prominently the Palestinians’ right to self-determination, thereby adjusting the party’s stance on Middle East policy. Nevertheless, a majority rejected the immediate recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state, reflecting a cautious approach to international diplomacy.
Domestic policy also featured prominently on Saturday, particularly in relation to military service. The party endorsed compulsory registration for young men but rejected the imposition of mandatory service obligations. This decision effectively overruled the Green Youth, which had opposed any compulsory measures. However, the youth wing achieved a success by securing approval for a resolution to reduce the long-term price of the nationwide transport ticket to nine euros, countering the executive board’s preference for a monthly fee of forty-nine euros.
Brantner elaborated further on the theme of civic responsibility, contending that national defense and social duties should not be confined to younger generations. She indicated that the party would urge the federal government to prioritize voluntary participation, while encouraging older citizens to contribute to civil protection and societal resilience. She proposed the establishment of a parliamentary inquiry commission to facilitate a broad societal debate on the concept of a general social year. In her view, such a discussion must involve young people directly rather than being conducted over their heads. Brantner argued that the younger generation had already borne considerable burdens during the pandemic and the energy crises, and therefore a new generational pact was required. This compact, she suggested, should distribute responsibilities more equitably across age groups and ensure that challenges are addressed collectively.
Özdemir, the party’s front-runner in Baden-Württemberg, directed attention to the future of the automotive industry. He cautioned against excluding businesses from the debate, insisting that any transformation of the sector could only succeed through close cooperation with manufacturers, suppliers, and employees. He emphasized the necessity of preserving Germany’s historic industrial sites, including those in Stuttgart, Neckarsulm, and other traditional centers of automobile production. According to his perspective, the Green Party must align itself with these stakeholders, listen attentively to their concerns, and work collaboratively to implement solutions. He characterized such cooperation as essential for safeguarding both economic competitiveness and social stability.
