In a decisive move aimed at revitalizing their political fortunes, the c elected Franziska Brantner and Felix Banaszak as their new co-leaders during a convention in Wiesbaden on Saturday. The leadership change comes as the party braces for snap national elections in February, triggered by the recent collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s traffic-light coalition.
Franziska Brantner, an experienced politician with deep European credentials, used her acceptance speech to outline a bold vision for Germany, addressing systemic issues she described as emblematic of a nation in decline.
“Germany can do more,” Brantner declared, lamenting deteriorating infrastructure, underfunded schools, and a rail system plagued by poor connectivity. “Bridges are crumbling, schools have broken toilets, and not only the railways have no mobile phone network,” she said, painting a stark picture of economic stagnation.
Brantner’s solution was clear and uncompromising: “Investment, investment, and more investment.” She emphasized that reducing bureaucracy and advancing climate protection are essential for revitalizing the country’s economy.
Framing her approach as transformative, Brantner pledged to “make Green great again,” a deliberate nod to the populist slogan of former U.S. President Donald Trump, whom she has openly criticized, particularly on climate policy.
Brantner’s ascent to party co-leader required her to relinquish her position as state secretary in the economy ministry, led by Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck. She played a key role in shaping EU and trade policy within the ministry and acted as Germany’s special representative for an international initiative to combat corruption in the extractive industries.
Her career in politics spans both national and European platforms. A former Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Brantner has long championed stronger European unity and policies designed to promote environmental and social justice.
“Europe is in my DNA,” Brantner said on Saturday, reaffirming her commitment to the continent’s stability and security. She also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, taking a firm stance against Russian aggression. “We need peace in Europe, in Ukraine,” she said. However, she tempered her call for peace with a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin: “We are now independent of your gas, and we will now invest much, much more in the security of Europe.”
The Green Party’s leadership transition follows a period of electoral struggles, culminating in poor showings in three eastern German states. Former co-leaders Ricarda Lang and Omid Nouripour stepped down in September amid mounting pressure to reverse the party’s declining popularity, which currently hovers around 11% in national polls.
The snap election in February presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the Greens. They are tasked with rebuilding public trust while navigating a volatile political landscape. As part of the remnants of Scholz’s former coalition, the Greens face scrutiny over their role in the government’s perceived failures, particularly regarding economic management and energy policy.
Joining Brantner in the leadership role is Felix Banaszak, a long-time Green Party member known for his grassroots activism and organizational acumen. Banaszak’s election reflects an effort to unite different factions within the party and bolster its appeal to younger and more progressive voters.
Both leaders emphasized the need for unity and a clear, ambitious agenda to resonate with a broader electorate.
Adding to the Greens’ political realignment, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck is widely expected to be named the party’s candidate for chancellor. Habeck’s nomination, anticipated on Sunday, signals the party’s intent to position itself as a viable alternative to the center-right Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) and the increasingly popular far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Habeck’s tenure as economy minister has been marked by efforts to transition Germany toward renewable energy and reduce dependence on Russian gas, a strategy accelerated by the invasion of Ukraine. However, the Green Party’s association with rising energy costs has contributed to its waning support in recent months.
Brantner’s platform underscores a return to the party’s core values of environmental sustainability and progressive governance. By framing investment in infrastructure and education as prerequisites for economic recovery, she aims to draw a sharp contrast with the austerity measures often advocated by the CDU/CSU.
The new leadership also plans to leverage the Green Party’s climate credentials, presenting them as essential to addressing the global challenges of the 21st century.
The Greens’ fortunes are intertwined with Germany’s broader political dynamics. Chancellor Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD) and the CDU/CSU remain the dominant forces, but the emergence of the AfD as a significant player adds complexity to the upcoming elections.
The Greens will need to balance their progressive agenda with pragmatic coalition-building if they hope to regain influence in a fragmented parliament.
Brantner’s election has elicited mixed reactions. Supporters praise her expertise and vision, while critics question whether the new leadership can effectively address the party’s internal divisions and reconnect with disillusioned voters.
Political analysts note that Brantner and Banaszak face a steep uphill climb. “The Greens have an opportunity to reshape their image, but it will require significant effort to overcome their recent setbacks,” said political scientist Dr. Lena Krüger of the University of Berlin.
