Kretschmer blames federal government for Volkswagen crisis

Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer (CDU) has blamed the actions of the federal government for the crisis at Volkswagen. VW is the victim of a completely misguided economic policy, he wrote in the short message service X. In other European countries, where there are still purchase premiums for e-cars, electromobility is showing a completely different dynamic. "The German government's role backwards has harmed Volkswagen and caused great uncertainty." The federal government abruptly canceled its purchase premium for e-cars at the end of 2023. As a result, demand for such vehicles collapsed.

Volkswagen has three sites in Saxony in Zwickau, Chemnitz and Dresden with around 11,000 employees. Many have been fearing for their jobs since Volkswagen announced compulsory redundancies and even plant closures. The plant in Zwickau is a pioneer in the production of e-cars within the Group. An extraordinary works meeting was planned there on Thursday afternoon. Kretschmer was positive about the prospects for the site: "This lead plant for electromobility will become even more important in the coming years."

Environment Minister criticizes Kretschmer

Saxony's Environment Minister Wolfram Günther (Alliance 90/Greens), meanwhile, demanded more commitment from Kretschmer for the Saxon sites and e-mobility. "Instead of railing against the federal government, Michael Kretschmer, as Minister President of this state, should stand firmly behind VW Saxony's e-mobility course. Because nothing is as damaging as this lurching course and the claim that there is a return to the combustion engine." A Saxon initiative is needed for a denser network of charging stations and manufacturers must be encouraged to bring cheaper models onto the market. He also called for e-cars to be given better status when it comes to company car privileges.