Negotiations surrounding Germany’s planned 2035 ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are showing signs of a potential shift, with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) signaling a willingness to explore exemptions under certain conditions. SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch has indicated a readiness to engage in compromise with the Christian Union (CDU/CSU) regarding the timeline, although he firmly rejected calls for a complete reversal of the policy.
Miersch’s comments, delivered to the Handelsblatt, suggest a conditional approach to the ban, prioritizing job security within the transitioning automotive sector. He emphasized that companies committing to continued production in Germany, investing in new technologies and securing employment guarantees through consultations with labor unions, should reasonably expect political flexibility. This could include facilitated transitions and potential adjustments, particularly concerning transitional technologies such as plug-in hybrids and range extenders.
Recent discussions, held on October 9th, concluded without a resolution, highlighting the deep divisions on the issue. CSU leader Markus Söder reportedly pushed for a postponement of the 2035 deadline, a demand that Miersch explicitly dismissed. He cautioned against the misleading narrative that abandoning the ban would automatically safeguard jobs, accusing proponents of such claims of misleading the public.
Beyond the timeline debate, Miersch detailed plans for an electric vehicle purchase premium targeted at lower and middle-income households. He advocated for a tiered system within the premium structure, emphasizing that it should not benefit wealthier individuals. “Those who pay high taxes shouldn’t receive state aid” he stated, reiterating the goal of enabling the transition to electric vehicles for “ordinary earners”. The proposal reflects a growing recognition within the SPD that the existing policy risks exacerbating social inequalities by disproportionately burdening those with lower incomes.
The potential for compromise, while limited, marks a departure from the previously staunch position of the ruling coalition. However, it also exposes a fundamental disagreement about the pace and nature of Germany’s transition to electric mobility and raises questions about the political feasibility of balancing environmental goals with the protection of industrial jobs and equitable access to new technologies. The debate underscores the complex challenges inherent in navigating the nation’s industrial restructuring while addressing climate change commitments.