Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini strongly criticised the European Union’s plan to ban the sale of cars with internal combustion engines by 2035, calling it economic suicide that would only help China.
Salvini discussed plans to possibly review the EU’s planned combustion engine phase-out date at the EU Transport Council in Brussels on Thursday, calling it an “incredible gift to China” which would lead to “suicide” for Europe’s economy, industry, and social fabric.
The minister also used the opportunity to criticise European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, claiming that her leadership had been responsible for “devastating mistakes” during her first term in office.
The Lega leader expressed hope that von der Leyen would change course and recognise the impact of her policies on European industry.
However, Salvini expressed more confidence in new European Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas, who he met on Wednesday evening.
Salvini said Tzitzikostas had shown a clear understanding of the risks at hand, particularly the potential social unrest caused by the “14 million jobs at risk” in the automotive sector.
“The new commissioner has already committed to introducing a support package for the auto sector in his first 100 days. Italy will stand alongside him in this effort,” Salvini added.
Salvini did not hold back in his criticism of other EU officials, particularly the Commission’s new Executive Vice-President for a Fair, Clean and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera.
Ribera has strongly advocated the 2035 emissions target, and Salvini dismissed her position as “out of touch with reality”.
“Her comments are those of a Martian—completely disconnected from reality. Pretending everything is fine while factories close and jobs are lost is irresponsible,” he added.
“Those who continue to advocate for a ban on gasoline and diesel engines are either ignorant, misguided or have external interests that are not aligned with Europe’s needs,” Salvini said, adding that “France is the first of the list”.
“It is embarrassing and incredible to see the French government, which is now in disarray, continuing down this path without considering the consequences,” the Lega leader also said.
On the other hand, Salvini praised Germany for “gradually adopting a more sensible position” to avoid penalties for companies that fail to convert their production.
(Alessia Peretti | Euractiv.it)
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