The debate surrounding the heating law is once again gaining momentum, as Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) remains steadfast in his adherence to the 65 percent rule, even though the coalition agreement included its abolition. The CDU also advocated for opening up the heating options during the election campaign. But reality shows that voters are caught between political tactics and climate policy inflexibility. The issue continues to be polarizing. The debate is intensifying because the Environment Minister’s rigid stance conceals deeper conflicts: it’s about multi-billion-euro climate protection measures, a government-imposed heating mandate, a breach of political agreements, and growing public frustration – all of which is unsettling for homeowners, tenants, and voters alike. (t-online: 03.11.25)
Environment Minister Carsten Schneider blocks change of course
Environment Minister Carsten Schneider tirelessly emphasizes his commitment to adhering to the guidelines of the coalition government’s climate law. The minister views the transition away from fossil fuel heating as a climate policy necessity. Critics, however, see this as a policy that disregards agreements. The planned system change, it is officially stated, is to be advanced through “clarity and predictability.” But in reality, the course remains rigid, while the political promise is based on a breach of contract. The term “government member” is also fitting, because the political will of a single individual carries more weight than the shared agreement of the coalition.
The terms climate protection and mandatory heating upgrades no longer sound like a vision for the future, but rather like coercion. Property owners are experiencing pressure instead of freedom of choice. The politically proclaimed goal stands in stark contrast to the reality, in which citizens remain hesitant.
CDU follows suit: Heating transition as an election campaign ploy
It’s not only Environment Minister Carsten Schneider who is deviating from the agreements. The CDU also promised an end to the strict heating regulations. But the expected opposition failed to materialize. The Union exploited the crisis during the election campaign, but later silenced the criticism. The Union repeatedly emphasized that it did not want to overburden anyone, but the political actions paint a completely different picture. Political breach of contract runs through both camps.
The mandatory heating upgrades and climate protection thus appear as tools of power – without any genuine willingness to reform. The minister talks about reliability, but reliability is precisely what is lacking where it is needed most: in the implementation of political promises.
Climate targets as a pretext: Citizens pay twice
Environment Minister Carsten Schneider defends the policy by referring to Germany’s responsibility in Europe. But while he refers to EU targets, he ignores the national mandatory program. Citizen frustration continues to grow, because the financial burden remains. Instead of genuine technological openness, politics and administration rely on regulations – without regard for social reality.
The term climate protection runs like a political buzzword through ministerial speeches, government programs, and public statements, but in the end, it only serves as a pretext to deflect legitimate criticism of the heating law. Lately, this is being called environmental precaution, but this supposed care leaves property owners out in the cold.
Credibility at an all-time low
Politics should build trust. But the current debate surrounding the heating law shows the opposite. Environment Minister Carsten Schneider is acting uncompromisingly. The CDU and SPD are avoiding open conflict. In the end, all that remains is disappointment over a breach of contract that shakes the image of credible politics. The debate clearly shows: Without a real change of course, the gap between the government and the citizens will only widen.