Meretz pledges to resist the EU's plan to transition to electric cars by 2035
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that he will oppose the European Union's plan to ban the registration of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035. This came during a summit for the automotive industry in Berlin, where Merz confirmed that the 'complete halt' planned by the EU will not happen as long as he is in office. The summit brought together political leaders and representatives from car companies and unions to discuss the future of the German automotive sector, which is facing increasing difficulties.
Merz's position directly challenges the European Union's policy established in 2022, which states that only electric cars will be allowed to be registered starting in 2035. Merz stated that he will do 'everything in his power' to prevent this strict cancellation, emphasizing that the industry and consumers are not yet ready for this transition. Abroad, activists from Greenpeace and Fridays for Future organized protests in front of the chancellery in Berlin, where they blocked entrances with cars and signs demanding the government adhere to climate goals.
As Deputy Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, representative of the Social Democratic Party, pointed out the possibility of amending the plan. He suggested that technologies such as plug-in hybrid cars, fuel-operated 'range extender' systems, and alternative fuels should remain part of the solution after 2035. Merz and Klingbeil agreed on the need to continue incentives for electric car buyers, such as tax exemptions and support directed at low-income families. They affirmed that Germany supports the transition to electricity, but it must be done in a realistic and socially fair manner.
The German automotive sector is facing immense pressure due to declining demand, intense competition from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, and the high costs of transitioning to clean technology. A recent study showed that over 50,000 jobs were lost in this sector during 2024. Despite government support, fully electric vehicles accounted for only 19% of all newly registered cars this year in Germany, and their prices remain very high for most consumers, especially with the tariffs imposed on cheaper Chinese cars.
Mert's statements sparked mixed reactions. The leader of the Green Party, Katharina Dröge, accused the government of undermining climate progress and destabilizing the car market. In contrast, the Prime Minister of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann, home to the headquarters of Mercedes and Porsche, supported Mert's position, stating that hybrid cars are necessary as a 'transitional technology.' The Prime Minister of Lower Saxony, Olaf Lies, home to Volkswagen, welcomed the summit's outcomes, describing it as a 'good day for the automotive industry.' At the same time, the head of the IG Metall union praised the government for finally listening to workers, while environmental groups warned that this debate could slow Europe's transition to clean transport.