“German economy minister blocks agreement on climate change plan”

With a surprise last-minute veto, federal economy minister Sigmar Gabriel blocked a tentative agreement on Germany’s Climate Action Plan 2050, writes Markus Wacket for news agency Reuters. German mining, chemicals and energy trade union IG BCE and the Federation of German Industries (BDI) had “worked hard to block the plan” over the past days, raising concerns about provisions on the role of the country’s coal. These groups “could play a large role” in the federal elections next year and Gabriel discussed the future of lignite with Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday evening, writes Wacket. Most ministers had already approved the climate plan, paving the way for a government cabinet approval ahead of environment minister Barbara Hendricks’ departure to the climate summit in Marrakesh. It is unclear when the draft plan could be presented to the cabinet again. According to a ministry spokesperson, Gabriel wants the cabinet to approve it next week.

Read the articles in English here and here.

PLEASE NOTE: The Clean Energy Wire will publish an article on the government’s failure to approve the Climate Plan later today.