Habeck's State Secretary Graichen Criticizes Federal Government's Energy Policy - Ex-German official slams energy policy as oil and gas dependence persists
Patrick Graichen, a former state secretary in Germany's economy ministry, has sharply criticised the government's energy strategy. He claims the current policy still leans too heavily on oil and gas, despite repeated warnings about climate risks. His comments follow his temporary retirement last year after a dispute over leadership at the German Energy Agency.
Graichen was placed on leave in May 2023 by Economy Minister Robert Habeck. The move came after allegations of a conflict of interest in selecting a candidate for the agency's supervisory board. Since then, he has become an outspoken critic of the coalition's energy direction.
In recent statements, Graichen accused the government of failing to adapt to geopolitical realities. He argued that CDU/CSU and SPD policies now reflect influence from oil and gas lobbies, far-right opposition to green reforms, and a broader reluctance to change. Without stronger intervention, he warned, sustainable alternatives will remain unaffordable for most households. Graichen pointed to Scandinavian countries as a better model. Over the past five years, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland have rapidly scaled up heat pumps and electric vehicles. Norway now sees over 90% of new cars sold as electric, thanks to tax breaks and free charging. Sweden's heat pump market grew by 25% annually, supported by grants of up to €3,000 per unit. Denmark subsidised half the cost of heat pumps, reaching 40% household adoption, while Finland's €2,000–4,000 EV rebates pushed electric car sales to 35% of the market. To make green choices more accessible, Graichen called for tax reforms and direct subsidies. He insisted that Germany must follow a similar path if it wants to meet climate targets without burdening consumers.
Graichen's criticism highlights a divide over Germany's energy transition. His proposed solutions—tax incentives and subsidies—mirror policies that have already worked in Scandinavia. Whether the government will adopt such measures remains uncertain, but the debate underscores the challenges of balancing affordability, industry interests, and climate goals.
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