Klimaunion urges Merz to prioritize climate protection at cabinet retreat

As the German federal cabinet convenes for a retreat at Schloss Neuhardenberg, climate protection has emerged as a central point of debate. The Klimaunion, an association of CDU and CSU members, has called on Chancellor Friedrich Merz to make climate protection a top priority. Thomas Heilmann, chairman of the Klimaunion, emphasized that the government must signal a commitment to climate protection and resilience against extreme weather like heat and drought.

Protests have also materialized at the retreat site. Greenpeace activists demonstrated in front of the castle, displaying a banner that read ‘Merz lösch Feuer’ (Merz, extinguish the fire) and calling for climate protection to be integrated into the Basic Law. The activists linked the recent forest fires in Germany to government failures in climate policy.

While the retreat is expected to focus heavily on economic competitiveness, government spokespeople noted that discussions regarding the consequences of recent heatwaves will take place. However, no final decisions on specific climate measures are expected to be reached during this session.