“A big weakness in my political life”
Former CSU boss laments his car-friendly policies
Updated 11/20/2025 – 12:29 amReading time: 1 minute.
Current and former CSU boss Erwin Huber thinks the focus on highway expansion was a mistake. He has turned into a climate defender.
Former CSU chairman Erwin Huber has broken with his previous political position on cars. He regrets the car-friendly policies he implemented, he said in an interview with the Bistumspresse publishing group in Osnabrück, which among others was quoted by “Welt”. “Throughout my political life, I have been a strong supporter of road construction. The disadvantage of railways compared to roads is one of the main weaknesses of my political life,” he said.
If he were younger and politically active, he would support climate protection today, Huber said. He considers the fact that Germany will stop supporting electric cars in 2023 a “disaster”. On the other hand, he welcomed the bonus for purchasing electric cars which will be available in 2026.
Huber, who led the party from 2007 to 2008 as successor to Edmund Stoiber, justified his change of heart by holding meetings with climate activists. A representative from the last generation chatted with him. He was imprisoned for a gluing operation. 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.” The future of his five grandchildren also made him think.
Huber has been committed to climate protection for a long time. Last year on “Spiegel” he called for stronger incentives for citizens who contribute to climate-friendly behavior.
