Robert Habeck visits Kenya to promote green initiatives ahead of Germany’s federal election, emphasizing that the trip is not campaign-related. Accompanied by journalists, he discusses renewable energy opportunities and the potential for skilled labor exchange. While he maintains political neutrality on social media, his ministerial account showcases his journey. Although no formal agreements are made, the trip enhances his profile as a forward-thinking leader, despite the absence of hippos at Lake Naivasha.
In the lead-up to the early federal election, Robert Habeck embarks on a journey to Kenya, championing green initiatives. He clarifies, however, that this trip is not part of an election campaign.
As he gazes out over Lake Naivasha, Habeck playfully seeks hippos. “If we’re fortunate, we might spot one,” quips the German Vice Chancellor, squinting into the distance. “Or we could be unfortunate and get devoured,” he jokes, only to be quickly corrected. Thankfully, the hippos in this region are known to be dangerous, but they are herbivores at heart.
Accompanied by around twenty journalists from Germany on this two-day African excursion, Habeck’s visit garners substantial interest. Traditionally, a German economic minister’s trip to Kenya might not attract much attention. However, with Habeck recently nominated by the Greens as their candidate for chancellor and just over eighty days to the election, the stakes are considerably higher. Despite the timing, he insists this journey is purely professional.
“I’m not here to proclaim my superiority or the Greens’ greatness,” Habeck states in a conversation with the ARD Hauptstadtstudio. He regards this visit to Kenya as “part of the ongoing work I do.”
At a recent party convention, a remarkable 96 percent of delegates endorsed Habeck’s candidacy.
Maintaining Political Neutrality on Social Media
Habeck is officially prohibited from leveraging this trip for electoral purposes. As an economic minister, the government funds the visit, imposing strict guidelines aimed at ensuring political neutrality.
This neutrality is particularly visible on social media. Habeck manages two distinct Instagram accounts: one for his role as minister with 552,000 followers and another as a Green politician with 147,000 followers. Since he is not in Kenya as a Green campaigner, there are no posts related to the trip on his political account. However, his ministerial account is filled with images from the journey: Habeck by the lake, engaging with youth.
Throughout the trip, he positions himself as a forward-thinking Vice Chancellor, addressing interconnected issues such as the economy, climate protection, skilled labor, and startups, with a strong focus on sustainable projects.
It’s evident that Robert Habeck is poised to represent the Greens as the face of their campaign for the federal election.
Exploring Africa’s Potential
During a visit to a geothermal power facility, Habeck highlights the numerous opportunities that Africa presents, particularly in renewable energy and the potential to attract skilled workers to Germany. His message is clear: “We can address our challenges in Germany by looking at solutions in Kenya.” Given the ongoing recession and job losses in Germany, along with a significant decline in purchasing power, this perspective is timely.
However, this trip does not yield any concrete agreements. Instead, Habeck focuses on information sharing and self-presentation. An economic minister lacking a majority back home may find it challenging to negotiate substantial agreements.
Nonetheless, the trip is likely to enhance Habeck’s profile in the electoral landscape. Portraying himself as a cosmopolitan statesman grants him an edge that not every chancellor candidate possesses. Thus, this two-day visit provides him with favorable visuals and increased visibility.
Yet, despite his search efforts, one elusive target remains: no hippo makes an appearance at Lake Naivasha during his visit.