Climate Activist Heinrich Strößenreuther Leaves CDU for Greens Over Policy Disillusionment

Strößenreuther cites the CDU's shift away from climate priorities and alignment with far-right rhetoric as reasons for his departure.

Heinrich Strößenreuther, founder of the CDU-affiliated KlimaUnion, has left the party, criticizing its lack of commitment to climate policy and economic modernization.
Strößenreuther expressed frustration with the CDU's perceived alignment with far-right rhetoric, calling recent actions incompatible with the party's Christian values.
He plans to rejoin the Greens, where he was previously a member, and continue advocating for stronger climate policies and sustainable economic transformation.
Strößenreuther highlighted internal CDU resistance to climate initiatives, noting that party leadership under Friedrich Merz has prioritized outdated energy strategies like nuclear power over renewable solutions.
The activist intends to focus on local and national climate action within the Greens, aiming to strengthen their position ahead of the 2025 federal election.