Federal Government | Farmers' President does not want to become Agriculture Minister after all

Günther Felßner has many opponents. There are the nearly half a million people who have called on the CDU and SPD party leaders via an online petition to prevent him, President of the Bavarian Farmers' Association and CSU politician, from becoming Federal Minister of Agriculture. There are the numerous scientists who have publicly contradicted the 58-year-old's false statement that meat consumption does not harm the climate. There is the Hersbruck District Court, which found the farmer guilty of discharging wastewater into a water protection area for years.

But all attempts to prevent a possible “lobby minister” Felßner failed – probably also because, in addition to all his opponents, he has a very influential friend in Markus Söder.

Until Monday morning. While Felßner was sitting at the coalition negotiations in Berlin, two activists from the animal rights group Animal Rebellion climbed onto the roof of his dairy farm, hung a banner, and lit flares. His wife, who worked in the barn, was terrified, Felßner says. His family no longer feels safe. He speaks of a break-in, an attack by masked individuals on his farm. Animal Rebellion emphasizes that it acted peacefully.

Too much for Felßner. He no longer wants to be Minister of Agriculture. A questionable victory for his opponents. They now have to achieve the feat of rejoicing at his withdrawal while simultaneously condemning the action that led him to it.