A satirical program reports explosive statements by the Porsche boss Oliver Blume. It is about political influence and a close exchange between Blume and FDP leader Christian Lindner in the coalition negotiations. Blume apologizes for his choice of words.
Porsche boss Oliver Blume has apologized for statements about an allegedly very close exchange with FDP boss Christian Lindner during the coalition negotiations. “I chose the wrong words in an internal event,” said Blume of “Bild am Sonntag”. “It gave the wrong impression. I’m sorry for that.”
A Porsche spokesman added: “During an internal event in June, the wording was exaggerated, for which we apologize. The choice of words does not correspond to the facts. The exchange did not take place and there was no influence.”
The ZDF satirical show “Die Anstalt” published the explosive statement by the Porsche boss on July 19. At a works meeting on June 29, he said: “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.
The Ministry of Finance also said on Twitter: “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”. An FDP spokesman in turn stated that “in October 2021 there was only a short telephone call between Mr. Blume and Mr. Lindner on questions about the use of e-fuels”.
Previously there had been excitement about Porsche’s statement. Initially, a Porsche spokesman responded to the “Bild” request with the words: “The verbatim 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 correct that the company basically 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 said.
Another, already fourth, email 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” had received an SMS from the Porsche spokesman shortly before the fourth mail, which was apparently addressed to the spokesman for the Ministry of Finance. According to “Bild”, it emerged that the two were in close contact and were now coordinating their reactions to the ZDF report in the background. However, the exact wording does not quote the “image”.
On Saturday, the company then said: “During an internal event in June, exaggerated formulations were made, for which we apologize,” said a spokesman. “The choice of words does not correspond to the facts. The exchange did not take place and there was no influence.”
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