Former CSU boss Erwin Huber criticized his own transportation policies

Sudden turnaround?

From CSU chairman to climate defender

Erwin Huber said the road construction policy he had implemented for decades was a serious mistake. How a young climate change activist behind bars changed the minds of CSU politicians.

Former CSU chairman Erwin Huber sharply criticized the transportation policies he had implemented for decades. “Throughout my political life, I have strongly supported the construction of highways. The disadvantage of railways compared to highways is one of the main weaknesses of my political life,” the 79-year-old said in an interview with the Bistumspresse publishing group. His attitude towards climate protection has changed radically.

Huber was highly critical of the end of e-car funding: “I think the fact that Germany will stop supporting e-cars in 2023 is a disaster.” He welcomed the plan to reintroduce purchase premiums starting in 2026.

According to his own statement, the determining factor for his change of heart was, among other things, his meeting with an activist of the last generation when he was studying philosophy in his retirement. The young man stuck to the streets and spent Christmas in prison. That’s when I realized: These young people are not enemies of the state. He didn’t want a revolution. He had pure motives, Huber said. “His commitment commands my respect.”

Another reason why he is rethinking is the papal environmental encyclicals “Laudato Si” and “Seeing My Five Grandchildren”. In his personal life, Huber installed a heat pump and uses public transportation more often. At the same time, he regretted that the CDU and CSU did not have enough of a climate protection agenda. He had said on “Spiegel” last year: “Citizens must and can be asked to do more, even in democracies.”