Forest fires: Greens call on Merz to act

The German government faces mounting criticism over its response to escalating forest fires, with Green Party leader Katharina Dröge accusing Chancellor Friedrich Merz of failing to address the crisis adequately. In a sharp public rebuke, Dröge called Germany’s leadership “governed by denial and complacency,” highlighting the country's inadequate preparedness for the growing threat of wildfires exacerbated by climate change. The remarks came amid a summer marked by record-breaking heatwaves, prolonged drought, and an alarming rise in fire incidents across the nation. Forest fires have surged this year, driven by persistent dry conditions. According to data from the German Weather Service (DWD), days classified as high-risk for wildfires have more than doubled since the 1960s. In North Rhine-Westphalia alone, around 2,000 residents were evacuated due to a wildfire near the Eifel region. Firefighters have been continuously battling blazes throughout the summer, with the DWD currently issuing the highest danger level for wildfires in much of the country. The situation has prompted calls for urgent action from environmental groups and political leaders alike. Dröge, speaking to the ARD Hauptstadtstudio, emphasized that the federal government must take immediate steps to protect citizens from the consequences of climate change. She stated, “Friedrich Merz must act now and explain how he intends to better protect people from the effects of the climate crisis.” The Greens' parliamentary faction has demanded that the federal government develop a national wildfire management strategy. This would include not only firefighting efforts but also improved prevention measures, such as using drone technology and satellite imagery to detect potential threats earlier. They also stress the importance of post-fire recovery and ecological restoration. In addition to emergency response, the Greens are calling for increased funding for state and local authorities to equip fire departments, technical rescue teams, and other emergency services. Long-term strategies include transforming forests into more resilient ecosystems, shifting away from easily combustible monocultures toward diverse mixed woodlands capable of storing more water. To support this transition, the party proposes allocating an additional 50 million euros annually for forest rehabilitation projects. Despite these demands, Merz has expressed gratitude for the work of emergency personnel, stating on social media that the Federal Police and military are providing assistance wherever possible. He claims to be regularly updated on developments. However, Dröge argues that this stance falls short of addressing the broader implications of the climate crisis. She pointed to the increasing number of heat-related deaths, infrastructure damage, and displacement caused by wildfires as evidence of the government’s insufficient response. Dröge accused Merz of being trapped in a “state of shock” regarding the scale of the current crisis. “Otherwise, one can’t explain his withdrawal in the face of a disaster of this magnitude,” she said. Her comments reflect a deepening rift between the Greens and the governing coalition, which includes the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Free Democratic Party (FDP). While the Greens push for stronger climate policies and greater investment in resilience, the ruling parties have remained relatively cautious, focusing instead on maintaining economic stability and avoiding political backlash. As the summer continues, the pressure on the government to respond effectively grows. With temperatures expected to remain above average for the coming weeks, the risk of further wildfires, and their human toll, remains high. Whether Merz and his allies will heed the Greens’ warnings remains unclear, but the debate over Germany’s readiness for climate-driven disasters shows no sign of abating.