Jochen Flasbarth: „Endgegner der Union“: Wie ein versierter Beamter die CDU in die Verzweiflung treibt
Kaum ein Beamter ist so mächtig wie Umweltstaatssekretär Jochen Flasbarth. Wie der umstrittene Kämpfer für den Klimaschutz im Hintergrund die Fäden zieht.
Jochen Flasbarth, a seasoned bureaucrat, has been a thorn in the side of the CDU, driving the party into desperation. On June 17, 2026, Flasbarth did not even need to make a personal appearance to make his point. Industry associations had instead penned a scathing letter to the top officials of the federal government, voicing concerns that a European regulation on methane emissions could overwhelm businesses.
In response, the CDU-led Ministry of Economics called for an emergency meeting. While Economic State Secretary Frank Wetzel attended in person, Flasbarth, who was in charge of the Ministry, did not. He was replaced by an underdepartmental chief, whose presence at such gatherings is often deemed ineffective. Flasbarth, a high-ranking figure within the Ministry, is often seen as a central figure by Union representatives who wish to curb his influence.
As a seasoned State Secretary, Flasbarth is one of the most senior officials in the Ministry, with a wealth of experience in environmental matters. He has been at the helm of the Ministry for nearly nine years, with four years previously spent as a State Secretary in the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Flasbarth is a "climate veteran," having started his career with the former German Bird Protection Society, which later became the Naturwatch Germany (Nabu). He was appointed its president in 1994, and later became the president of the Federal Environment Agency in 2009. His term as the main negotiator during the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015 was marked by his efforts.
Flasbarth did not succeed in his bid for the top post at the UN Environment Programme in 2016. Despite this setback, he remains in the position of State Secretary at the Ministry, even after the departure of Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) in May 2025, who had little environmental expertise. "Flasbarth, who was always there," is often remarked upon by those who work with him.
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