Table of Contents
Ricarda Lang (Politician)
Ricarda Lang (born January 17, 1994) is a prominent German politician who has co-leaded the Alliance 90/The Greens since January 2022, alongside Omid Nouripour. Lang has made significant strides in German politics, becoming a key figure in her party and representing the left wing with a focus on social justice and climate policy.
Lang’s political journey began early, joining the Green Youth in 2012 at 18. Over the years, she has held various leadership roles within the party, showcasing her dedication to feminist and queer politics. Her rise within the Greens culminated in her election to the Bundestag in 2021, marking her as the first openly bisexual member of the German federal parliament.
Throughout her career, Lang has been a vocal advocate for progressive policies, including better caregiver pay, increased support for rural areas, and the admission of climate refugees. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the party’s stance on crucial issues, particularly environmental justice and social equity.
In addition to her political achievements, Lang’s personal experiences and background have significantly shaped her perspectives and advocacy. Raised by a single mother and facing various challenges, she brings a unique and compassionate approach to her political endeavors.
Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| Ricarda Lang (German Politician) | |
| 17 January 1994 | |
| Date of Birth | 17 January 1994 |
| Birth Place | Filderstadt, Baden-Württemberg, Germany |
| Political Party | Alliance 90/The Greens |
| Education | German: Hölderlin-Gymnasium Nürtingen |
| College |
|
| Previous Campaign | 2021 German federal election – German Federal Diet – Baden-Wuerttemberg |
| Nationality | German |
| TV shows | Die Gewählten |
Early Life and Education
Ricarda Lang was raised in Nürtingen, Germany, by a single mother who worked as a social worker in a women’s shelter. Her father, Eckhart Dietz, was a sculptor who passed away in 2019. Growing up in a household where social issues were a daily reality, Lang developed a strong sense of justice and empathy from a young age.
She attended the Hölderlin-Gymnasium Nürtingen, from which she graduated in 2012. After graduating, Lang pursued legal studies, enrolling at Heidelberg University and transferring to Humboldt University of Berlin. Despite her initial commitment to studying law, she left university in 2019 without completing her degree.
Lang’s early exposure to social work and her academic background in law provided her with a solid foundation for her future political career. These experiences shaped her understanding of systemic issues and fueled her passion for advocating for those often marginalized in society.
Her decision to enter politics was driven by a desire to create meaningful change and address the inequalities she observed growing up. Joining the Green Youth at 18 marked the beginning of her journey toward becoming a prominent voice in German politics.
Entry into Politics
Ricarda Lang’s political career began with her involvement in the Green Youth, the youth wing of Alliance 90/The Greens (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen). Her dedication and leadership skills quickly became apparent, and she soon rose through the ranks. Lang’s work within the Green Youth focused on issues such as climate justice, social equality, and the fight against discrimination, aligning closely with the core values of the Green Party.
Political Career
Lang joined the Green Youth in 2012 at the age of 18. From 2014 to 2015, she served as the speaker for the Campus Greens, the student association of the Greens. She was a member of the district executive of the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg Greens from 2015 to 2016. In October 2015, she became an assessor on the federal board of the Green Youth, and in October 2017, she was elected co-spokesperson at the federal congress. In November 2019, she was elected as the deputy chairwoman of the Greens and spokeswoman for women’s policy.
Lang ran in the 2019 European Parliament election in 25th place on the Greens list but was not elected. However, she successfully ran for the Bundestag in the 2021 German federal election, securing a position in the tenth place on the Baden-Württemberg list. She also stood in the Backnang – Schwäbisch Gmünd constituency, placing fifth with 11.5% of the votes, and became the first openly bisexual member of the Bundestag. Lang is a member of the Committee for Family, Seniors, Women and Youth and a deputy member of the Committee for Labor and Social Affairs.
During the negotiations to form a coalition government between the SPD, Greens, and FDP following the 2021 federal elections, Lang led her party’s delegation in the working group on equality, alongside co-chairs Petra Köpping (SPD) and Herbert Mertin (FDP).
On January 29, 2022, Lang was elected unopposed as the chairwoman of the Greens, along with Omid Nouripour. They succeeded Annalena Baerbock and Robert Habeck, who stepped down after joining the Scholz cabinet.
Controversy
Career Statistics
| Leader of Alliance 90/The Greens | |
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office | 29 January 2022 |
| Deputy |
|
| Preceded | Annalena Baerbock |
| Deputy Leader | |
| Alliance 90/The Greens | |
| Preceded | Gesine Agena |
| Succeeded | Pegah Edalatian-Schahriari |
| Leader |
|
| Leader of the Green Youth | |
| Serving with Max Lucks | |
| Assumed office | October 2017 – November 2019 |
| Preceded | Jamila Schäfer |
| Succeeded | Anna Peters |
| Member of the Bundestag | |
| Baden-Württemberg | |
| Assumed office | 26 October 2021 |
| Preceded | multi-member district |
| Constituency | Alliance 90/The Greens list |
