The opposition mainly comes from environmental organizations and critical citizens who fear that the CSU politician will pursue agricultural policies harmful to climate and biodiversity.
Felßner currently holds the position of chairman of the Bavarian Farmers' Association and is also vice chairman of the federal German Farmers' Association. His close ties to the agricultural sector and outspoken positions make him a controversial candidate for the ministerial post for some. He enjoys the support of conservative Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU), who is using his influence to get Felßner into the cabinet of CDU leader Friedrich Merz.
Environmental organizations say Felßner ignores scientific insights about the negative effects of pesticides and the climate impact of meat consumption. At a CSU party congress in early February, he questioned scientific facts about species and climate protection and called the reduction of livestock a dead end.
In 2023, during a farmers' demonstration, Felßner called to 'eat meat for the climate.' He also threatened, as one of the leaders of the farmers' protests, to bring the country to a standstill. In 2018, he was convicted for soil and water pollution because he allowed liquids from his farm to leak into an adjacent nature reserve over an extended period. Such statements and incidents have damaged his reputation as an agricultural administrator.
Nonetheless, Felßner remains popular within farmers' organizations, who see his appointment as an opportunity to better align German agricultural policy with the interests of the farming sector. Many farmers regard him as a defender of traditional farming methods and an opponent of strict environmental regulations, which they consider threatening to their operations.
Besides the petition from the Umweltinstitut München, various citizens' initiatives and green political parties have expressed concerns about the possible appointment. Demonstrations and protest actions are being prepared to put pressure on CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who will ultimately decide who will receive the ministerial post. The opposition to Felßner is part of a broader political struggle over the future of German agriculture.
Friedrich Merz has not yet explicitly commented on the issue. There is division within the CDU about whether a pronounced agricultural lobbyist like Felßner is suitable for the ministerial post. Some party members fear his appointment could damage the party's image as modern and climate-conscious, while others see him as a strong representative of the agricultural base.