“European Conservatives Seek Compromise on Combustion Engine Ban Amid Political Tensions”
Manfred Weber, Chairman of the European People’s Party (EVP), is urging a consensus-driven approach within the European Parliament regarding the phasing out of combustion engine vehicles, signaling a delicate political maneuver as the debate intensifies. Weber expressed his commitment to achieving climate targets while simultaneously advocating for the preservation of the cultural significance of automobiles, warning against the issue’s transformation into a divisive ideological battleground.
The Commission’s recent softening of its initial proposal – now mandating a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions for new car fleets by 2035, rather than the original 100% – has been presented by Weber as a crucial step towards achieving a balanced outcome. He hinted at a potential for agreement across the center of mainstream democratic parties, acknowledging positive initial signals from the Social Democrats.
Weber’s appeal appears strategically aimed at preempting populist movements from exploiting the issue for electoral gain, particularly in upcoming regional elections. His response to a direct question regarding a potential alliance with right-leaning and far-right parties to overturn the ban was deliberately evasive, emphasizing instead the importance of securing a broad consensus within the democratic spectrum.
However, Weber’s leadership has faced criticism regarding its strategy, with accusations that collaboration with parties on the right has eroded the traditional “firewall” separating mainstream conservatives from extremist factions. Weber firmly rejected this assertion, insisting that the firewall remains intact and reaffirming the identification of political adversaries. He specifically denounced the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as an anti-European party and a mouthpiece for Putin, highlighting the significant political stakes embedded in the debate over the combustion engine ban and the broader European political landscape. The incident underscores the complexities of navigating climate policy within a politically charged environment, where seemingly technical decisions can have profound electoral implications.