Political officers' cars: in: Carriages harmful to the climate

German politicians have once again increased their reliance on internal combustion engine vehicles for official duties, according to a new report by the German Environmental Agency, the Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH). The findings reveal that more than two-thirds of the evaluated government cars exceed European fleet emission targets, marking a setback in efforts to promote climate-friendly transportation. This trend has sparked criticism from environmental advocates who argue that political leaders should lead by example in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The report, released on Tuesday, assessed 249 official vehicles used by federal and state ministers. It found that the proportion of gasoline and diesel-powered cars among these vehicles has risen compared to last year, while the share of fully electric models has declined both nationally and within the federal government. According to the data, many top officials continue to use plug-in hybrids, which emit significantly more carbon dioxide per kilometer than pure electric vehicles. The report highlights that over half of the vehicles evaluated were classified as plug-in hybrids, making them the most common type of vehicle among government officials. Among the notable figures in this category is Cem Özdemir, former minister for food and agriculture and current prime minister of Baden-Württemberg. Despite his past advocacy for sustainable transport, Özdemir continues to use a fully electric car, which emits 66 grams of CO₂ per kilometer. This makes him one of the most environmentally friendly political leaders in Germany. Similarly, Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan uses a fully electric vehicle with a CO₂ output of 64 grams per kilometer, placing her among the most efficient drivers in the federal government. However, several other high-profile officials are far less eco-conscious. Education Minister Karin Prien and Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig both drive gasoline-powered cars that emit 196 grams of CO₂ per kilometer. At the state level, the situation is even worse. Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia Hendrik Wüst, SPD leader Manuela Schwesig of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Berlin’s Senate President Kai Wegner all drive vehicles emitting 262 grams of CO₂ per kilometer, among the highest recorded in the study. The report underscores a growing concern that political leaders are failing to meet their own climate goals. Barbara Metz, head of the DUH, criticized the trend, calling it “a challenge to forward-looking traffic policy.” She noted that the continued use of plug-in hybrids, often marketed as a compromise between electric and conventional vehicles, does little to reduce overall emissions. Instead, she argues, such choices reflect a lack of commitment to transitioning toward zero-emission mobility. The report was based on data collected from January to June 2026 through inquiries with federal ministries and state governments. Notably, the vehicles of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, and Foreign Minister Victoria Abels were excluded from the evaluation due to security reasons. These special-use vehicles are not included in the standard fleet emissions calculations. The DUH has been conducting this annual review for nearly two decades, highlighting the persistent gap between policy and practice. With the German government aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, the continued use of high-emission vehicles by public officials raises questions about the effectiveness of national climate strategies. As the debate over sustainable transportation intensifies, the actions of political leaders will remain under scrutiny.