Franziska Brantner: Co-Leader of Germany’s Alliance 90/The Greens

Berlin, 15 January 2026 – Franziska Brantner, a prominent German politician, has emerged as a key figure in the Alliance 90/The Greens party. Since November 2024, she has served as co-leader alongside Felix Banaszak, following the party’s leadership reshuffle after electoral setbacks. Brantner’s career spans roles in the European Parliament, the Bundestag, and government positions, focusing on European affairs, climate action, and international policy.

Early Life and Education

Born on 24 August 1979 in Lörrach, Baden-Württemberg, Brantner grew up in Neuenburg am Rhein. She attended the bilingual Deutsch-Französisches Gymnasium in Freiburg im Breisgau, where she developed a strong interest in European integration. Brantner studied political science with a focus on international affairs and European policy at Sciences Po in Paris and the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University in New York, graduating in 2004. In 2010, she completed a PhD at the University of Mannheim on the reformability of the United Nations. Fluent in French, English, and Spanish, Brantner has worked as a consultant for organisations like the United Nations Development Fund for Women and the Bertelsmann Foundation.

Political Career

Brantner joined the Green Party Youth in 1996 at age 17 and became involved in the party’s local administration in Baden-Württemberg. She was elected to the European Parliament in 2009, serving until 2013, where she focused on foreign affairs, security, and defence. In 2013, she entered the Bundestag, representing the Heidelberg constituency. From 2017 to 2021, she served as the Greens’ European policy spokesperson and parliamentary secretary. In 2021, she was appointed Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, overseeing European affairs, trade, and digitisation. She also acted as Special Coordinator for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

Since November 2024, Brantner has been co-leader of Alliance 90/The Greens, elected with 78.15 per cent of the vote at the federal party conference in Wiesbaden. She advocates for ambitious climate policies, social justice, and a stronger European Union, often criticising austerity measures and promoting investments in green technologies.

Key Positions and Achievements

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Franziska Brantner’s main policy focuses?

Brantner emphasises European integration, climate protection, and social equity. She supports the European Green Deal, stronger EU institutions, and investments in renewable energy, while advocating for humane migration policies and defence cooperation within the EU.

How did Brantner become co-leader of the Greens?

Following the resignation of the previous leadership in September 2024 after poor state election results, Brantner and Felix Banaszak were elected co-leaders at the federal party conference in November 2024. Brantner received strong support, reflecting her experience and centrist stance within the party.

What role does Brantner play in German politics today?

As co-leader, Brantner leads the Greens in opposition, pushing for progressive policies. She remains active in the Bundestag, contributing to debates on European affairs and climate action, and serves on various advisory boards for think tanks and non-profits.