In a significant political shift, Robert Habeck, the 55-year-old Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Vice-Chancellor of Germany, is reportedly planning to resign from his position in the Bundestag. According to multiple sources, including the respected publication Spiegel, Habeck intends to retain his parliamentary mandate only until the upcoming summer break, which is set to commence at the end of June 2025, or at the latest, in July.
Habeck's decision comes on the heels of a disappointing performance for the Greens in the recent Bundestag election held in February 2025, where the party garnered merely 11.6 percent of the votes. As the party's top candidate, Habeck has expressed his intention to step back from leadership roles within the Greens, signaling a significant change in his political trajectory.
Following his resignation from the cabinet, which is expected to be finalized with the swearing-in of a new coalition government comprised of the Union and the SPD in early May 2025, Habeck's seat in the Bundestag will likely be filled by 25-year-old Mayra Vriesema. Like Habeck, Vriesema hails from Schleswig-Holstein and is currently studying international politics and international law in Kiel. She was positioned fifth on the state list during the recent election and is anticipated to take her seat in the Bundestag at the beginning of the new session in September 2025.
Reports suggest that Habeck and Vriesema have engaged in discussions regarding this transition, indicating a mutual understanding of the change. Vriesema has refrained from commenting directly on the matter, stating, "I ask for your understanding that I cannot comment on internal considerations and personnel matters." This statement reflects the sensitivity surrounding the impending changes within the party.
Habeck's political career has been marked by both achievements and challenges. Since joining the Bundestag in 2021, he has been a prominent figure in German politics, particularly as a leading voice for the Greens. However, the recent electoral loss has prompted him to reconsider his future role within the party. At a recent party meeting, he acknowledged, "No election campaign comes without mistakes; I have made some as well," highlighting his introspection following the electoral setback.
In addition to Habeck's impending departure, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has also indicated her intention to leave the Bundestag to pursue the presidency of the UN General Assembly in New York. Both Habeck and Baerbock have been influential leaders within the Greens since taking over the party leadership in 2018, and their departures mark the end of an era for the party.
As the political landscape in Germany continues to evolve, the Greens will need to navigate the challenges ahead without two of their most prominent figures. The upcoming summer break will not only signify a transition for Habeck but also a pivotal moment for the party as it seeks to regroup and redefine its strategy moving forward.
Habeck's spokesperson, Nicola Kabel, has confirmed that he has "initially accepted" his mandate but did not elaborate on any further developments regarding his political future. This ambiguity leaves many questions about what direction Habeck will take after his departure from the Bundestag.
While the political future of Robert Habeck remains uncertain, his contributions to the Greens and German politics have been significant. As he steps back from the forefront, the party will have to adapt to new leadership and the challenges that lie ahead in a rapidly changing political environment.
In conclusion, Robert Habeck's planned resignation from the Bundestag marks a notable shift in German politics, as the Greens prepare for a new chapter with Mayra Vriesema stepping into the role. The upcoming months will be crucial for both Habeck's personal journey and the party's future direction as they navigate the complexities of the political landscape.
