The FDP has voiced opposition to the proposed subsidy for electric vehicles by Volkswagen.
The biggest automaker in Europe is currently facing a significant predicament. The regional leader of Lower Saxony, where the company is based, suggests providing government funding for electric vehicles as a potential solution. However, the FDP's parliamentary group leader, Christian Dürr, labels this idea as "stupidity" and "interfering industrial policy."
Dürr firmly opposes the idea of reintroducing a state subsidy for purchasing electric cars. He explains his stance by saying, "It's ridiculous to think that we can force electric cars onto the market with subsidies. When we wiped out the E-car subsidy, we witnessed a drop in prices." The market had naturally corrected itself, and Dürr believes that this is the more sustainable approach.
Due to Volkswagen's critical situation, the Minister President of Lower Saxony, Stephan Weil from the SPD, has advocated for the reintroduction of a purchase subsidy for electric vehicles. However, this subsidy would exclude electric vehicles produced by US company Tesla and Chinese manufacturer BYD.
Lower Saxony owns 20.2% of Volkswagen's shares. The chairwoman of Volkswagen's works council, Daniela Cavallo, has also expressed support for reintroducing the electric car purchase subsidy.
Overly controlled
Dürr emphasized his acceptance of electric cars, but only within the framework of technological neutrality. He expressed concern over the potential consequences for large automakers when they are subjected to excessive European regulations. "This type of paternalistic, know-it-all industrial policy must cease," Dürr stated.
Volkswagen does not benefit from paying subsidies that are funded by taxes. Instead, Dürr suggests ending the European trend of technological planning. He argues that the regulation of fleet CO2 emissions and the ban on combustion engines should be abolished. "Europe's planned economy has finally crumbled. All technologies should have an equal chance," Dürr concludes.
The FDP's stance on the potential government funding for electric vehicles directly contradicts the proposal made by Lower Saxony's Minister President. Christian Dürr, the FDP's parliamentary group leader, strongly opposes the idea, labeling it as "stupidity" and "interfering industrial policy." Furthermore, the economy as a whole could be impacted if large automakers like Volkswagen are subjected to excessive European regulations, as Dürr expresses his concern.
