Growing internal dissent is emerging within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) regarding the planned EU-wide ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035. A significant number of influential CDU politicians are echoing the call from CSU leader Markus Söder to reconsider the prohibition.
Manuel Hagel, CDU state leader in Baden-Württemberg, voiced concerns to the Tagesspiegel, stating, “The EU combustion engine ban must be abolished. It is a de facto ban on research and development for our industry”. He emphasized the need for flexibility, adding, “Brussels should set goals – but not prescribe the technology. Companies need freedom in how they achieve them.
Sven Schulze, Minister of Economic Affairs for Saxony-Anhalt and also the CDU’s state leader there, concurred with Söder’s position. He told the Tagesspiegel, “The timeframes envisioned by the EU for an end to combustion engines are completely unrealistic. In large parts of the world, the combustion engine will remain the number one powertrain for decades. One should now have the strength to revise flawed decisions.
Sebastian Lechner, CDU state leader in Lower Saxony, advocated for an even more substantial change. “The fleet limits should be abolished, because with the trading of CO2 certificates, we already have a technology-open and market-economic mechanism that ensures more climate protection” Lechner stated. He also criticized the current strategy, arguing that a singular focus on electric mobility would create dependence on China. “Relying solely on electric mobility is the wrong path and would currently make us dependent on China” he concluded.
