Ricarda Lang

Ricarda Lang is a German politician serving as co-leader of Alliance 90/The Greens alongside Omid Nouripour. Elected in January 2022, she succeeded Annalena Baerbock and represents a younger generation within the party. Her political focus encompasses social justice, feminism, and ambitious climate action.

Early life and education

Born in Filderstadt, Baden-Württemberg, she was raised in a politically engaged family. Lang attended a Gymnasium in Stuttgart before moving to Berlin for her university studies. She enrolled at the Free University of Berlin, where she pursued a degree in law and became actively involved in student politics. During this period, she joined the Green Youth, the youth wing of Alliance 90/The Greens, quickly rising to a prominent role. Her academic work and early activism centered on gender equality and anti-discrimination policies, laying the groundwork for her future career.

Political career

Lang's formal political career began with her election to the national board of the Green Youth in 2015, where she later served as federal spokesperson. She successfully transitioned to the main party, being elected as a deputy leader of Alliance 90/The Greens at the federal party conference in January 2021. Following Annalena Baerbock's departure to become Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Cabinet Scholz, Lang was elected co-leader alongside Omid Nouripour in January 2022. She has been a key figure in the 2021 federal election campaign and subsequent coalition negotiations with the SPD and the FDP. In her leadership role, she sits on the party's national executive committee and helps shape its strategic direction within the traffic light coalition.

Political positions

Lang advocates for a robust expansion of renewable energy under the Renewable Energy Sources Act and a faster phase-out of coal power. She is a vocal proponent of transformative social policies, including a higher minimum wage in Germany and comprehensive reforms to Hartz IV welfare provisions. A committed feminist, she champions the Equal Rights Act and stronger measures against gender-based violence. On European policy, she supports deepening European integration and strengthening common climate change mitigation efforts across the European Union. Her stance on digital policy emphasizes strong data protection regulations and public investment in digital infrastructure.

Public image and media

Frequently featured in major outlets like Der Spiegel, Die Zeit, and Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Lang is portrayed as a representative of a new, pragmatic generation within the German Green Party. Her communication style, particularly active on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, is noted for its directness and focus on socio-economic issues. Media coverage often highlights her role in modernizing the party's image and broadening its appeal beyond traditional environmentalism. She is a regular guest on political talk shows such as Anne Will and Maybrit Illner, debating coalition policies and national direction.

Personal life

She resides in Berlin and is in a long-term relationship with fellow Alliance 90/The Greens politician Felix Banaszak. Lang has been open about her experiences with body shaming and advocates for body positivity in public discourse. Outside of politics, she enjoys literature and is a fan of the VfB Stuttgart football club. Her personal commitments closely align with her political advocacy for LGBT rights in Germany and mental health awareness.

Category:1994 births Category:Alliance 90/The Greens politicians Category:Living people Category:People from Filderstadt Category:Free University of Berlin alumni