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> Incidentally the conservative chancellor candidate that took a media opportunity with Musk to demonstrate his otherwise non-existent interest in renewable ene
by sho_hn 5y ago
> Incidentally the conservative chancellor candidate that took a media opportunity with Musk to demonstrate his otherwise non-existent interest in renewable energy not only lost the election but also displayed so much incompetence over the last year that his party saw him as radioactive enough to replace him in all of his positions.
That said, the major angel for the Tesla project is the local state government of Brandenburg, which is led by the SPD, the party that emerged strongest in the national election. The CDU is also in Brandenburg's gov coalition, but I don't think Laschet's (national CDU candidate) Musk election campaign media stunt had much relation to anything.
- hnbad 5y agoSure, my point was more that for many politicians and public officials this is an easy prestige project. "E-mobility" is a big talking point in German politics. We also have a proud history of industrial corruption in Germany (we call it "Klüngel" because that sounds nicer), especially when it comes to public construction projects. I find it a lot more likely that the failures are the result of a mix of public officials being overly hasty in trying to pave the road (so to speak) and making promises they couldn't deliver on, than that this is entirely down to traditional car manufacturers using their political leverage against Tesla. Especially given the location of the factory.
- sho_hn 5y agoYep, totally agree with your take.