Overview
- CDU leader Dennis Thering said his caucus will introduce a “Zukunftsgesetz” on December 10 to restore Hamburg’s climate‑neutrality target to 2045.
- The SPD signaled it will not back the initiative, while Greens and Left Party leaders insist the October mandate for 2040 must be implemented.
- Under Article 50(4), the Bürgerschaft can overturn a referendum by simple majority, after which supporters have three months to collect about 33,000 signatures to force a new vote.
- Thering argues the 2040 deadline would drive up living costs, strain capacities and risk jobs, a stance welcomed by several business associations and criticized by environmental groups.
- Hamburg’s Greens are preparing a motion centered on accelerated energy renovations and have condemned a Senatskanzlei-backed CDS push to soften EU building standards.