Germany's Habeck declares chancellorship bid

German Economy Minister Robert Habeck announces his candidacy for chancellor on behalf of the Greens. A key figure in climate policy, he recently returned to social media with a video showing a bracelet that reads “Chancellor Era,” fuelling speculation on Friday.

German Economy Minister Robert Habeck has announced his intention to run as chancellor on behalf of the Greens party. 

Habeck, 55, a former novelist and philosopher, has been a central figure in Germany's energy and climate policy as economy and climate protection minister.

"I will not accept that fear and anger consume us. I want to stand up for a society that combines vigour and solidarity, in which people stick together and stand up for each other. That is why I have made my decision. That's why I'm running again," he said. 

He returned to social media platform X on Thursday after a five-year break and posted a short video in which he was seen wearing a bracelet on which the words "Chancellor Era" written, prompting speculation he would announce his bid soon.

"It's easy to leave places like this to the noisy troublemakers and populists," he said. "But taking the easy way out cannot be the solution... That's why I'm back on X."

Habeck's announcement comes 10 days before the Greens hold their 2024 party congress, where they are expected to confirm his candidacy.

The break-up of Germany's coalition following months of infighting over budget and fiscal policy has paved the way for an early election, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a Social Democrat, aiming for a vote in March.

In the early days of Scholz's government, which took office in 2021, he was Germany's most popular politician, winning plaudits for his clear communication and approachable style, which contrasted starkly with the tight-lipped chancellor.

With eloquent speeches and candid interviews, Habeck became the face of Germany's effort to navigate the energy crisis following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the end of cheap gas deliveries, making hundreds of media appearances to explain the situation and propose solutions.

Habeck also drew praise for his pragmatism in securing energy deals in Doha and Abu Dhabi.

His reputation was tarnished, however, after he was forced to overhaul an unwieldy law to ban new oil and gas heating systems and ditch an ill-fated gas levy that critics said would hurt consumers while benefiting energy companies.

A cost-of-living crisis and an economic downturn have shifted many Germans' focus away from climate protection, weakening the appeal of the Greens. Habeck's approval ratings have dropped to just 26% from a peak of nearly 70% in mid-2022.

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