CDU adopts passages from auto industry lobby group
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has incorporated entire passages from a position paper by the Association of the German Automotive Industry (VDA) into its own document on electric mobility. This revelation highlights the party's close alignment with industry interests ahead of upcoming elections. Critics argue it undermines independent policymaking.
The Association of the German Automotive Industry (VDA) published a position paper on electric mobility in spring 2023, demanding a slower transition to EVs and more support for the sector. The CDU, as the largest opposition party, soon presented its own paper titled 'Future of Electric Mobility.' A comparison by 'Der Spiegel' revealed that several paragraphs were adopted verbatim, including sections on charging infrastructure and CO2 limits.
A CDU spokesperson confirmed the adoptions and stated: 'We consulted with industry experts to develop well-founded positions.' VDA Chairwoman Hildegard Müller emphasized in a statement: 'We are pleased that our expertise is reaching politics.'
The background is the ongoing debate over EU requirements for emission-free vehicles by 2035. The auto industry warns of job losses, while environmental groups like BUND criticize the CDU's position as industry-dependent. 'This shows how committed the CDU is to corporate interests,' said a BUND spokesperson.
The revelation comes as the CDU under Friedrich Merz sharpens its economic policy to win voters in traditional industrial areas. Experts see it as a risk to the party's credibility on climate issues.