CDU MP Güntzler regrets last-minute withdrawal from transport minister role, says he was overwhelmed

CDU financial policy expert Fritz Güntzler Source: Elisa Schu/dpa

Fritz Güntzler, who was slated to become Germany's Federal Transport Minister, has publicly addressed his last-minute reversal—admitting mistakes and acknowledging that he would have been the wrong choice for the position.

Güntzler Expresses Regret

CDU MP Fritz Güntzler has expressed regret over the difficulties caused by his abrupt decision to decline the post of Federal Transport Minister.

"I should have asked for time to think it over. That was a big mistake," Güntzler told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland. "Of course, my actions put the Chancellor in a difficult position, and I deeply regret that."

The financial policy expert from the Bundestag had initially accepted the offer from Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), but withdrew just hours before the planned announcement of the personnel decision.

Background: Cabinet Reshuffle Disrupted

Last Friday, Merz was only able to announce part of the planned cabinet reshuffle. He also faced criticism within the CDU over the handling of the previous officeholder, Patrick Schnieder (CDU), for whom the personnel matter became a days-long ordeal. Schnieder himself requested dismissal on Sunday to end what he called the "undignified situation."

Güntzler on His Decision

"The situation simply overwhelmed me," said the 60-year-old Güntzler. "At that moment, I didn't function properly." He added that this annoys him, "because it doesn't meet my own standards."

Güntzler emphasized that he ultimately did not feel suited for the role:

"I have never had anything to do with transport policy. And it would not have been justifiable for me to simply read off the page for six months what ministry staff wrote for me, because I have no expertise in the subject matter."

Praise for Merz's Response

Güntzler praised Merz's reaction to his last-minute cancellation. The CDU leader did not get angry; the conversation was "extremely appreciative." Güntzler told the Chancellor openly that he had a bad feeling and was the wrong man for the job.

"He reacted very fairly and very humanely."

Personal Exchange with the Chancellor

Güntzler reported that he briefly spoke personally with Merz on the sidelines of the Union parliamentary group meeting on Wednesday and apologized once again for his reversal.

"He suggested we meet for a beer sometime," said the Bundestag MP.

After the personal exchange with the Chancellor, Güntzler said he felt "immensely relieved."

Sources: dpa, AFP, luwi