The ZDF satirical program “Die Anstalt” reports on an explosive connection between Finance Minister Christian Lindner and Porsche boss Oliver Blume. It’s about agreements on the controversial e-fuels and “almost hourly” news. The Ministry of Finance and Porsche hasten to deny the allegations.

In the program on July 19, the ZDF satirical show “Die Anstalt” reported on an explosive statement by the Porsche boss Oliver Blume. He is said to have boasted at the works meeting on June 29, 2022 with the following words: “We have a very large share in the fact that e-fuels were included in the coalition agreement. We were the main drivers there, with very close contact to the coalition parties. Christian Lindner has kept me up to date almost every hour over the past few days.”

Background: In agreement with the EU, the coalition wants to ban new cars with internal combustion engines from 2035. The only exception: vehicles that are operated with controversial e-fuels.

So did Porsche have any influence on this exemption? Both the Ministry of Finance and the car manufacturer are trying to get a quick denial.

“Christian Lindner’s position on e-fuels has been known for years. Accordingly, in June he commented on the end of combustion engines planned by the EU and acted within the federal government,” said a spokesman for the Federal Ministry of Finance on Twitter.

And further: “There was previously no contact with Mr. Blume and no other influence.” He commented on the allegedly hourly calls with the words: “That’s nonsense”.

In response to an “image” request, Porsche also commented: “The literal quote and the conversation did not exist. It is true that the company maintains a good and constructive exchange with all relevant stakeholders – including politicians.” However, when asked again, they backtracked. “Please cross out my first email – I’ll get back to you right away to sort this out,” it said.

And in a third email: “As is well known, a satirical program enjoys freedom. There was no such exchange. It is true that the company generally maintains a constructive exchange with all relevant stakeholders.”

According to “Bild”, the spokesman was no longer sure whether Blume had made the statement after all. They are feverishly looking for video recordings of the works meeting that could refute the ZDF report, it says.

Another – now fourth – e-mail followed: “We would be happy to specify the following in relation to the exchange with Mr. Lindner: … There was no such exchange. Correct is …”

Explosive: According to its own account, “Bild” received an SMS from the Porsche spokesman shortly before the fourth mail, which was apparently intended for the spokesman for the Ministry of Finance. According to “Bild”, it follows that the two are in close contact and are now coordinating their reactions to the ZDF report in the background. However, the exact wording does not quote the “image”.

It is still unclear who is telling the truth. ZDF emphasizes: “The editors have the evidence that verifies this statement.”

The alleged revelations bring not only finance minister Christian Lindner in need of explanation, but also Porsche. And they come at the worst possible time for Blume. Only yesterday, Friday, did it become known that VW boss Herbert Diess was surprisingly replaced at the top of the Volkswagen group – by Blume. From September 1, he will jointly manage Porsche AG and the Volkswagen Group.