The CDU has experienced turmoil over an online poll regarding the ban on new cars with combustion engines starting in 2035. The party’s General Secretary, Carsten Linnemann, accused the poll of being manipulated with “criminal energy.” The voting results showed that over 85% of participants were against the CDU’s stance on overturning the ban. The firm responsible for conducting the poll confirmed the manipulation and advised the CDU to cancel the vote, which was done on Saturday. The decision to use an online tool for the poll raised questions, as such polls have been vulnerable to manipulation in the past.
The CDU’s campaign supporting the modern combustion engine as a German cutting-edge technology faced criticism and ridicule from political opponents amidst the poll controversy. The Greens mocked the CDU for their stance against climate change and clean mobility, with leaders calling it a “Fail campaign.” The CDU’s message of Germany needing to remain an automotive powerhouse and the importance of clean synthetic fuels was met with derision amid accusations of an outdated approach to environmental issues.
Environmental organizations also encouraged participation in the poll, urging members to vote against the CDU’s position. The Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) criticized the Union parties for attempting to undermine significant EU climate protection measures through deceit. BMW’s CEO, Oliver Zipse, had previously criticized the EU’s ban on new gasoline and diesel cars by 2035, pointing out challenges with the availability of resources like lithium and cobalt for mass electric vehicle production. The EU’s decision in 2022 to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has noted a planned review of the EU’s decision regarding the combustion engine ban in 2026. The EU’s goal is to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by implementing measures such as phasing out traditional vehicles and promoting cleaner alternatives. Germany has set ambitious targets to reduce emissions by 65% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2045. The CDU’s struggle with the poll results reflects broader debates on climate policy and the future of automotive technology in Germany and the EU.
The CDU’s decision to cancel the poll due to manipulation and the ensuing backlash from opposition parties and environmental groups highlight the challenges of navigating complex climate policy issues. The controversy surrounding the online poll underscores the importance of transparent and secure mechanisms for public participation in democratic processes. Moving forward, discussions on the future of automotive technology and environmental policy will remain contentious as stakeholders aim to balance economic interests with environmental sustainability.
