Bavaria’s Economic Affairs Minister, Hubert Aiwanger, frequently communicates with Federal Minister Robert Habeck, sharing concerns about various issues, including climate policies and local industry needs. Despite their political differences, Aiwanger’s letters maintain a cordial tone, often expressing gratitude and collaboration on initiatives like hydrogen pipelines. Although not all letters receive responses, some have prompted positive feedback from Habeck’s department, with officials acknowledging the impact of Aiwanger’s correspondence on policy discussions.
Bavaria’s Minister of Economic Affairs frequently communicates with his counterpart in the federal cabinet. The intriguing exchanges between Aiwanger and Habeck have recently come to light through the ARD Hauptstadtstudio.
Robert Habeck can’t help but chuckle. “I can confirm that Hubert Aiwanger sends me a letter daily,” the Economic Affairs Minister remarked a few weeks ago in response to a query from the ARD Hauptstadtstudio. “I doubt there’s another minister who has engaged with his concerns as much as Hubert Aiwanger.”
The unique correspondence between the Bavarian minister and the Federal Minister of Economic Affairs reveals that Aiwanger has indeed been vocal about his concerns in Berlin, albeit not necessarily every day. “I remain hopeful that my letters to Habeck will yield positive results,” the leader of the Free Voters mentioned on X.
Warm Letters with ‘Sincere Appeals’
Typically, Aiwanger does not shy away from critiquing the ‘green ideologists.’ In a tone reminiscent of a jovial beer tent, he has occasionally accused Habeck of being out of touch with reality. Aiwanger believes that the Greens should exit the federal government promptly.
However, the tone of Aiwanger’s letters is notably more cordial. He often includes a ‘sincere appeal’ urging the swift establishment of a European hydrogen pipeline, and at times, he proposes a video conference regarding climate protection agreements. Aiwanger brings attention to key issues faced by the Bavarian paper industry and advocates for local businesses.
In one of his letters, he underscores Bavaria’s exemplary status in solar energy, suggesting specific language for modifying a law. He also raises awareness about a critical topic that may not have been fully acknowledged: the looming scarcity of steel scrap. Occasionally, his messages adopt a more assertive tone, communicating what he deems ‘urgent necessities’ to his federal counterpart.
Hubert Aiwanger also makes it a point to convey personal greetings to Federal Minister of Economic Affairs Robert Habeck.
‘Heartfelt’ Birthday Greetings
Despite their political differences, Aiwanger does not hesitate to extend his warmest congratulations to the Green politician on his 55th birthday. “We both agree that hydrogen is pivotal for the sustainable and prosperous future of our nation,” Aiwanger expressed in his birthday letter earlier this September.
He shared his delight over a joint hydrogen initiative in Erlangen, expressing hope for Habeck’s ongoing support and emphasizing the importance of their collaboration. The letter concluded with well wishes for success in his professional endeavors and personal health.
With the support of the Bavarian Deputy Prime Minister, the goal of entering the Bundestag seems promising.
Aiwanger Occasionally Receives Responses
In general, Aiwanger’s correspondence contrasts sharply with the tone of his public remarks, a discrepancy noted by Habeck. When Aiwanger speaks, one might get the impression that Bavaria is an isolated entity, disconnected from Germany.
While Aiwanger hasn’t received a reply to every letter, several have been acknowledged. The responses to the ‘most esteemed Mr. State Minister’ tend to be polite, yet sometimes they carry a blunt message.
For instance, Habeck sees no justification for Aiwanger’s request for increased funding for wood heating systems but does thank the Bavarian minister for his commitment to climate initiatives. Regarding the hydrogen pipelines, Habeck conveyed that his department is actively advancing the project.
In Bavaria, the construction of wind turbines has significantly declined, attributed to the contentious distance regulations.
‘The Letters Have Made an Impact’
In Munich, officials are confident that Aiwanger’s letters have produced results. “Certainly, the letters have had an impact,” a spokesperson for the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs stated to the Bavarian Broadcasting. Habeck’s department has ‘often responded positively’ to Aiwanger’s proposals.
Recent reports indicate that Aiwanger’s writing enthusiasm has slightly diminished. However, his spokesperson assures that should the need arise, the minister will reach out to Habeck once more.