The abrupt postponement of the highly anticipated electric vehicle (EV) subsidy announcement has drawn sharp criticism from Christian Dürr, the leader of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), who accuses the ruling coalition of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Social Democrats (SPD) of profound policy disorientation. Dürr’s remarks, published in the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, highlight what he perceives as a debilitating lack of clarity and coordination within the government regarding the design and implementation of the subsidy program.
“The last-minute cancellation of the presentation detailing the EV purchase premium clearly demonstrates that the CDU and SPD have lost their own bearings within a complex web of responsibilities, criteria and intricate regulations” Dürr stated, signaling a growing rift within the governing alliance.
Beyond the procedural missteps, Dürr launched a direct attack on the fundamental premise of the subsidy itself, dismissing it as an “expensive smokescreen” funded by all taxpayers. He argued that the benefits are likely to disproportionately favor affluent individuals who can already afford new vehicles. The FDP leader also expressed concern that manufacturers would simply inflate vehicle prices, effectively passing the subsidy onto consumers rather than providing genuine affordability.
Furthermore, Dürr voiced skepticism about the proposed tiered structure of the subsidy, intricately linked to factors such as family status and income. He anticipates this system will create an “unimaginable flood of bureaucracy” hindering efficient distribution and potentially deterring participation.
Highlighting the broader economic context, Dürr emphasized the need for decisive action to support the German automotive industry, a vital pillar of the national economy. Rather than resorting to what he deems “debt-financed subsidies” he advocates for genuine reforms, including a reevaluation, or outright repeal, of the existing combustion engine ban. He contends that the ban poses a “grave threat” to hundreds of thousands of well-paying jobs across the country, a point increasingly echoed by industry representatives and fueling political debate. The FDP’s stance represents a significant challenge to the government’s green agenda and signals the beginnings of a potentially contentious policy battle over the future of the German automotive sector.