Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting of EU Transport Ministers, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini said the EU ban on endothermic engines is a “folly” and called Green Transition Commissioner Teresa Ribera, who has recently rejected a request from the EPP EU Parliament group to postpone the ban, “a Martian.”
During the Council meeting, Salvini reported, “I spoke together with other European ministers in defense of 14 million jobs related to the car and motor industry; and it is incredible how there are still countries like France that pretend nothing is happening, they are going towards the cliff, and they say nothing is changing, ahead with the all-electric from 2035. Which is just a huge gift to China and an economic, environmental, social and industrial suicide” for Europe. Salvini said he is confident that a majority will be reached to support a review of the legislation, so that fines can be avoided for manufacturers who do not comply with the emission reductions planned by 2025; “because if the electric car today costs too much and emits more and comes from China, it is clear that at the level of Europe we need to stop and reflect.
“Even Germany is approaching this common-sense position, considering it crazy to put fines on those who do not sell enough electric cars. Because if people don’t have the bucks to change their cars, it’s not like you can fine the factory, which in fact fires the workers. I hope common sense will prevail.
“I don’t know if anyone understood that in a few months we risk having banlieue protests on the streets of Europe, because there are 14 million jobs at risk. And for the French, who as of yesterday no longer have a government, pretend that nothing is happening, that they are pulling straight toward the cliff, is something embarrassing and it’s unbelievable.
