Chatting with Huber: Lanz Dissects the New Federal Government's Shift, Altered Priorities with the CSU Secretary-General
CSU Secretary General Huber prefers avoiding public accolades for Habeck.
In a twist of political tides, the new federal government is shaking things up. CSU Secretary-General Martin Huber, who once lauded nuclear power, now seems to have a spark for wind energy - at least in his conversation with Markus Lanz. Huber also weighed in on former economics minister Robert Habeck.
Markus Lanz had a smorgasbord of topics in his truncated talk show. He aimed to hash out the AfD, tackle the Union's handling of the Left, but ended up discussing Markus Söder's Big Mac fondness instead. Serious, insightful moments were few and far between that evening.
Luckily, the program's beginning was graced with these moments. It revolved around the rocky start of the new federal government, a historic event as a federal chancellor was not elected in the first round. "I was taken aback," says Franziska Brantner. "It was a plausible scenario, but somehow no one anticipated Merz and Klingbeil wouldn't make it." The lackluster signal to the public was discouraging. The Greens ultimately saved Friedrich Merz by consenting to a second round. In reality, a second round could only have occurred after a three-day wait if the Left and Greens had garnered a two-thirds majority for the black-red coalition to override the Bundestag's rules of procedure.
On the flip side, Huber wishes to focus on the future. "With today's day, we are launching a policy shift. Consider Interior Minister Dobrindt's orders today, tightened border controls, and expulsions at the borders," Huber shares. "The policy change is coming," he assures. "We face the challenge of restoring the public's faith in the state and politics. For this, we require substantial investments in infrastructure, money that's now available."
But don't expect nuclear power plants to receive ongoing support. The CSU advocated for this before the elections, but Huber responds, "That's off the table." Instead, they are keen on renewable energy investments. Bavaria is looking to build wind turbines again, Huber promises, even though last year didn't go as planned. Huber himself isn't certain about the number of wind turbines erected in Bavaria in 2024. "I don't have that number tops in my head," he confesses. Lanz has the answer: eight. "We want to speed things up now," declares Huber. "We are committed to expanding wind energy in Bavaria."
"I long for our country to jumpstart economically again," continues Brantner. "However, I also expect investments in various sectors across Germany, quicker processes, and action beyond monetary discussions. We've planted many seeds, and some will bloom while others may become firewood."
"Energy remains the megatheme for our future," responds Huber. "A significant amount of money flows into it. There's plenty to accomplish: expanding networks, hydrogen, and advancing renewable energy. The energy focus is a challenge we've wrestled with in recent years. And I'm certain that Minister Katherina Reiche, with her expertise, will make a substantial difference from her predecessor."
In contrast to Huber, Reiche openly praised her predecessor Robert Habeck at the handover ceremony. Habeck's work was "almost superhuman." However, Huber is hesitant to interpret Reiche's words as acknowledgment or praise of Habeck's performance. "That was simply meant as a courtesy," Huber explains.
Sources:- ntv.de
- Friedrich Merz
- Franziska Brantner
- Union faction
- Alliance 90/The Greens
- Federal government
- The CSU, led by Secretary-General Martin Huber, is emphasizing a policy shift, focusing on renewable energy, such as wind turbines, instead of supporting nuclear power plants, as initially advocated before the elections.
- In the discussion of the new federal government's priorities, Franziska Brantner from the Greens expressed her desire for significant investments in infrastructure across Germany, signifying a move beyond just monetary discussions.
- Huber spoke about the future challenges in the energy sector, highlighting the need for expanding networks, advancements in renewable energy, and hydrogen, with Katherina Reiche, the new minister for the sector, expected to make a substantial difference.
- In contrast to Reiche's open praise for her predecessor, Robert Habeck, in a handover ceremony, Huber interprets her words as a simple courtesy rather than an acknowledgement or praise of Habeck's performance.
