Greens in Lower Saxony: Fighting criticism with a new economic plan

Greens in Lower Saxony: Fighting criticism with a new economic plan

The Lower Saxony Greens are about to hold their important state party conference next weekend. Party leader Greta Garlichs previously pointed out the party's increasing membership numbers, which have risen from 12,500 to around 18,000 within two and a half years. Although this is a surprise in times of so-called “Green Party bashing,” as she calls it, Garlichs sees it as a signaling sign. “The criticism of us is being questioned,” she explained. At the same time, however, there is also honest self-reflection: she admits that “green concepts are under pressure” and the climate crisis is no longer in the foreground. So the challenges are truly great.

At the upcoming party conference, the key proposal “Strengthening the Economy – Securing the Future” will be presented, which aims to combine economic strength, social responsibility and climate protection. Co-party leader Maximilian Strautmann emphasizes that Lower Saxony should prepare to become the “number one economic state”. In order to achieve this goal, five pillars are defined in the lead proposal: infrastructure, de-bureaucratization, energy supply, digitalization and securing skilled workers. Particular attention is also paid to regional price signals for energy prices, for which he calls for dynamic network fees.

Political challenges and criticism

Straussmann does not shy away from clearly criticizing other politicians. He is targeting Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder when it comes to the use of wind power. These political decisions have a direct impact on energy prices, as Strautmann urgently warns. The party conference will also attract prominent guests such as Hanover's mayor Belit Onay and Lower Saxony's education minister Julia Willie Hamburg.

With 170,000 members, a proportion of women of 45% and the best result in their history in the 2021 federal election, the Greens can look back on dynamic development. The 2020 policy program offers clear guidelines in the areas of ecology, justice, self-determination, democracy and peace. The party has also set itself the goal of driving forward the transport transition, accelerating the phase-out of coal energy and ensuring a complete electricity supply from renewable energies by 2030.

Eco-social market economy in focus

In economic policy, the party particularly emphasizes its claim to an eco-social market economy. Topics such as a wealth tax or increasing the top tax rate are on the agenda. Their commitment to gender equality is strengthened by pushing for a statutory quota of women on supervisory boards. In addition, the Heinrich Böll Foundation, the Green Party's party-affiliated foundation, plays a crucial role in political education.

It seems that the party is not remaining idle and is showing with the upcoming conference that it is actively fighting for its goals despite all the challenges. An exciting time for the Greens, who are positioning themselves as a significant political force both in Lower Saxony and nationwide.

Further information and details can be found on the Green Party websites: Green Lörrach, South Germans and Wikipedia.