Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier calls on the Grand Coalition to consider Germany's reputation in its upcoming climate negotiations. "The alarming dynamics of climate change leaves us no choice, we have to act faster and more decisively," said Steinmeier in an interview with SPIEGEL. "As a Federal Republic of Germany, we must aspire to maintain the good reputation that we have gained in climate policy and for many years we have been a valued pioneer in the field of climate protection and renewable energies." Others have followed suit, others today even past us. "
He said at the appointment of the Cabinet that the Grand Coalition could not be just a reissue of the Old. "A grand coalition has to deal with the big issues, and I am sure that is the expectation in large parts of the population," said the Federal President.
Steinmeier urged the coalition not to forget the economy and the worries of its people during their course. The challenge is "not just a climate policy," said the Federal President. "We need a far-reaching climate policy, an innovative economy and open eyes and ears for the concerns of the people who will be affected by the changes."
Steinmeier kept his head down on what his role might look like should the Grand Coalition break up in the foreseeable future. He was prepared for "every situation," he said. It may not be easier if I participate in the daily forecasts of the half-life of coalitions and, if I am right, they are highly volatile. "