Habeck's State Secretary Graichen Criticizes Federal Government's Energy Policy - Ex-official slams Germany's climate policy as 'crashing against reality'

Patrick Graichen, the former state secretary in Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, has sharply criticised the current government's energy policy. He claims the ruling coalition is prioritising short-term economic interests over long-term climate action. His comments follow his temporary retirement in May 2023 after disputes over Germany's heating law and a conflict-of-interest controversy.

Graichen argues that Germany's recent policy shift is driven by ties to the oil and gas sector, far-right influence, and resistance to change. He warns that relying on fossil fuels ignores geopolitical risks and climate warnings. In his view, the government is 'crashing against reality' by failing to adapt.

Over the past five years, Scandinavian countries have shown a different path. Norway and Sweden boosted heat pump adoption through subsidies—up to 30,000 SEK in Sweden and 100,000 NOK in Norway—alongside CO₂ taxes. Norway's heat pump installations rose by 50% to 1.2 million units, while Sweden saw a 40% increase in households using them. Electric vehicle (EV) adoption also surged, with Norway reaching 90% EV registrations in 2025 after removing VAT and offering high purchase incentives. Denmark's EV subsidies, covering up to 30% of the price, cut costs by 20–30% through economies of scale. Graichen insists Germany should follow this model. He calls for active intervention, such as tax reforms, to make sustainable choices more affordable. Without such measures, he believes the current policy rollback will prove unsustainable as the climate crisis worsens.

Graichen's criticism highlights a divide between Germany's current energy strategy and the approaches taken by Scandinavian nations. His warnings suggest that without stronger policies, the country risks falling behind in climate action. The debate comes as Germany continues to face pressure over its reliance on fossil fuels and the pace of its green transition.