Sรถder Demands SPD Concessions on Combustion Engine โคPhase-Out
BERLIN – Bavarian Minister-President Markus Sรถder is intensifying pressure on the Social Democraticโฃ Party โค(SPD)โ toโ compromise on plans toโ endโ theโค sale of new combustion engine vehicles, arguing a rigid deadline risks damaging the German automotive industry and fueling public anxiety.โ Sรถder,โ leader โof the Christian Socialโ Union (CSU),โค issued the call on November 13, 2025, amid ongoing negotiationsโ within the governing coalition regarding future transportationโ policy.
The dispute centers on theโค timeline for phasing out internal combustion โขengines, a key โขcomponent of Germany’s climate goals.Whileโ the coalition agreement outlines a commitment to ending the sale of newโค gasoline and diesel cars, disagreements persist โคover the โขprecise date and the availability of viable alternatives. Sรถder contends that forcingโ an abrupt transition without sufficientโข infrastructureโ andโฃ affordable electric vehicle options willโค disproportionately impact rural communities and lower-income citizens, creating “rangeโข anxiety” and hinderingโค economic growth.Heโ frames the issue as a test โof the SPD’s willingness to prioritize practical solutions over ideological commitments.
The debate unfolds as Germany โgrapples with โbroader concerns โabout industrial electricity prices and a planned โคpackage of reforms impacting pensions, citizen’sโข income, and potential reintroduction of mandatory military service-all under discussion withinโ the coalition committee. These issues are interconnected, with the energy transition and industrial โcompetitiveness heavily influencing the feasibility of ambitious โclimate targets.