Former CSU boss Huber admits his mistakes and becomes a climate defender

Former CSU chairman Erwin Huber has turned climate defender. His attitude to the issue has changed radically, he said in an interview with the Bistumspresse publishing group in Osnabrück. Huber regrets the car-friendly policies he implemented while he was active. “Throughout my political life, I have been a strong supporter of road construction. The disadvantage of railways over roads is one of the main weaknesses of my political life,” he said.

If he were 20 years younger and an active politician, he would be worried about climate protection. “Very practical: I think the fact that Germany stops supporting electric cars in 2023 is a disaster. And I welcome the fact that the federal government wants to reintroduce the electric car purchase bonus in 2026.”

Honoring climate activists

The 79-year-old man said that the reason for his change in attitude was partly due to his encounter with activists from the previous generation. In retirement he began studying philosophy.

That’s how he talked to a young man who was stuck on the street because of his faith and therefore 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.”

“Look at my five grandchildren”

In addition, Pope Francis’ environmental encyclicals “Laudato Si” and “Seeing My Five Grandchildren” made him think again. He himself has a heat pump and uses public transport more often.

He believed that preaching harsh resistance was hopeless in an affluent society. But there doesn’t have to be total asceticism either. “I said: I don’t have to stop eating meat completely, but I can eat less meat.” He regretted that the CDU and CSU did not have a sufficient climate protection agenda.