Lobbycontrol criticizes Habeck's move to Urban Partners over potential conflicts of interest

At the center of the criticism is the connection between Urban Partners and the heating manufacturer Viessmann. The Viessmann Generations Group, which emerged from the heat pump manufacturer Viessmann and merged with the US group Carrier, is one of the shareholders of Urban Partners, according to its own statements. In addition, Viessmann Generations is, according to its own statements, one of the largest private shareholders of Carrier. Through its investment firm 2150, Urban Partners also invests in the German companies 1Komma5° and Metycle.

Connection to Viessmann and Carrier

Eschmann said the move raises the question of whether Habeck may have advocated for the promotion of heat pumps not only out of political conviction. "Plötzlich steht die Frage im Mittelpunkt, ob Robert Habeck sich womöglich nicht nur aus politischer Überzeugung für die Förderung von Wärmepumpen eingesetzt haben könnte," Eschmann said. As minister, Habeck had been particularly committed to the expansion of heat pumps.

Urban Partners announced on Monday that Habeck would work for the company as a Senior Advisor from August 1. The company manages assets of more than 25 billion euros, according to its own statements. Urban Partners also stated that Habeck would work exclusively for Urban Partners and would not take on advisory roles for individual shareholders. Viessmann Generations is a minority shareholder and is not involved in day-to-day operations, personnel decisions, or the appointment of Senior Advisors. Viessmann Generations was not involved in Habeck's appointment at any point.

Reaction from Urban Partners

When asked whether Habeck would maintain contacts with German ministries or authorities or engage in lobbying, Urban Partners did not wish to comment at the current time. Lobbycontrol is calling for a statutory cooling-off period of three years for politicians leaving office. During this time, they should not be allowed to take up paid positions in sectors directly related to their former area of responsibility.

Habeck is a member of the Greens and served in the federal government as Federal Economics Minister and Vice Chancellor. With his move to Urban Partners, he is joining a Danish investment company specializing in investments in urban development. Lobbycontrol's criticism points to a fundamental problem: the fluid transition between political power and economic influence.

Call for a cooling-off period

The debate throws a spotlight on the question of how Germany handles the transition of senior politicians into the business world. While supporters argue that such moves bring experience and networks into the business world, critics like Lobbycontrol see the risk of a creeping privileging of financially strong actors. The call for a cooling-off period has been controversial in Germany for years.

Urban Partners indirectly rejected the accusations by emphasizing that Viessmann Generations had not been involved in Habeck's appointment. The final assessment of the move will depend on what specific tasks Habeck takes on at Urban Partners and whether he comes into contact with German authorities. Until then, Lobbycontrol's criticism remains an important contribution to the ongoing debate on lobbying and political transparency in Germany.