Heating Industry Conference Erupts in Protest as Minister reiche Cancels Appearance
Berlin – A key industry conference focused on the heating sector was overshadowed wednesday by the absence of Economics Minister Katherina Reiche, sparking open frustration and criticism from attendees grappling with a collapsing market. Reiche cancelled her appearance just days in advance, citing “scheduling reasons,” a justification met with skepticism given prior commitments made to heating companies months ago.
The cancellation quickly became the central topic of the event, with Frederic Leers, spokesman for the Federal Association of the Heating Industry, stating on stage during a panel discussion, “The minister’s absence is a message that is getting across here.”
Attendees expressed a sense of being disregarded, with one event organizer telling t-online, ”I don’t want to say that I want Habeck back. But at least he was here every year.” – a reference to former Economics Minister Robert Habeck’s consistent attendance.
Reiche’s parliamentary state secretary,Stefan Rouenhoff,attempted to address the room on her behalf,but was met with initial laughter and then outright boos. “I ask you to be patient,” Rouenhoff said, visibly taken aback, as restless murmurs and shouts of “How much longer can we afford this patience?” filled the hall.
The discontent comes as the heating industry faces a severe downturn. The Federal Association of the Heating Industry (BDH) presented data at the conference showing a 30% market collapse since the introduction of the “Heating Law” – officially the Building Energy Act (GEG) – approximately two years ago, which initiated debate about the future of heating systems in Germany.
