Politics · Germany · 1 hr ago
Habeck criticizes Merz government and urges Europe to join Ukraine talks
Former German vice-chancellor Robert Habeck criticized Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government on the TV programme “Maischberger.”
He said its public image resembled that of the previous coalition, which included his Green Party.
Habeck argued that Merz and his party could have supported borrowing to boost the economy in 2023, rather than waiting until 2026.
He said political parties had put their own interests ahead of finding solutions for the country.
Habeck warned that Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi could go badly and said he did not expect a change in US policy toward Ukraine.
Former Ukrainian boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko called for Europe to join the negotiations and said European countries should produce more and maintain military support for Ukraine.
He said Ukraine could discuss where borders are drawn, but Ukraine’s freedom should not be traded away.
Robert Habeck sharply criticized Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government, saying its public image resembled that of Germany’s previous coalition.
Habeck said Merz and the CDU made a historic mistake by opposing new borrowing in 2023, delaying an economic recovery.
He warned that US-led talks on Ukraine in Abu Dhabi could go badly.
Former Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko urged Europe to join the negotiations and increase production.
Klitschko said territorial lines could be negotiated, but Ukraine’s freedom could not.
- Who
- Robert Habeck criticized the government; Wladimir Klitschko urged Europe to take part in Ukraine talks.
- What
- Habeck criticized Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government and its economic decisions. Klitschko called for Europe to join negotiations on Ukraine.
- When
- Tuesday evening, as reported on November 11, 2026.
- Where
- On the German television program Maischberger; the Ukraine talks were taking place in Abu Dhabi.
- Why
- Habeck said the government’s handling of economic policy had delayed recovery. Klitschko said Europe’s security and Ukraine’s future were at stake.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Habeck said Merz and the CDU could have supported new borrowing to stimulate the economy.
Habeck and Klitschko discussed German politics and Ukraine on Maischberger.
Ukraine talks were taking place in Abu Dhabi.
- Interview program
- Maischberger
- Interview date
- Tuesday evening, November 10, 2026
- Ukraine talks venue
- Abu Dhabi
- Economic policy dispute
- New borrowing in 2023
- Former vice-chancellor
- Robert Habeck
- Ukrainian guest
- Wladimir Klitschko
What people are saying
The Trump government has betrayed Ukraine
Why does it have to be 2026?
If Europeans are not at the table, then we are on Putin’s menu
If you want to live in peace, you have to prepare for war
Posts on X
„Dass #Trump und #Putin sich inzwischen besser verstehen als Trump und #Selenskyj, ist offensichtlich. Ich würde sagen, die Trump-Regierung hat die Ukraine verraten.” – der Autor und ehemalige Vizekanzler Robert #Habeck (B'90/Grüne) bei #maischberger.
„Wenn die Ukraine auch noch die Unterstützung durch Europa verlieren würde, dann ist es allerdings wirklich zappenduster”, sagt Giovanni di Lorenzo (@DieZeit). Ihm bereite es Sorge, dass Europa sich nicht einig sei. #maischberger