Between outrage and responsibility
The Felßner Case and What It Reveals About Our Political Discourse
Günther Felßner, President of the Bavarian Farmers' Association and a farmer in Upper Palatinate, found himself at the center of a heated debate in March 2025. Nominated as a candidate for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, he faced accusations of environmental offenses and animal welfare violations. His withdrawal after just a few days not only marks the end of his candidacy, but also sheds light on the dynamics of today's political discourse. (1*)
by René Rempt
Günther Felßner, President of the Bavarian Farmers' Association and a farmer in Upper Palatinate, found himself at the center of a heated debate in March 2025. Nominated as a candidate for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, he faced accusations of environmental offenses and animal welfare violations. His withdrawal after just a few days not only marks the end of his candidacy, but also sheds light on the dynamics of today's political discourse. (1*)
by René Rempt
The debate reflects a development in which prejudgments, waves of outrage, and targeted discrediting dominate public discussion - and political discourse degenerates into a question of "affiliation."
Outrage replaces debate
Even before a factual debate about Felßner's suitability began, a wave of outrage erupted, particularly on platforms like X. Users like Renate Künast branded him anti-science and environmentally damaging without examining his positions. (2*) The goal was to quickly eliminate the candidate rather than discuss the substance. Anyone who is assigned to the "wrong camp" has little chance of fair treatment or differentiated media coverage. The focus was on two incidents: a 2018 conviction for negligent water pollution and allegations by the animal welfare organization "Animal Rebellion" of violations of the Farm Animal Keeping Ordinance, underpinned by a protest on Felßner's farm.
The legal aspect: Negligent, not intentional
In 2018, the Hersbruck District Court sentenced Felßner to a fine of 90 daily rates of EUR80 each for discharging silage juice into a neighboring property from 2011 to 2016, causing soil and water pollution. (3*) No intent was found, but rather negligent omission, as Felßner failed to respond in a timely manner after being tipped off in 2015. (4*) Felßner emphasized that he had not intended to cause damage and would remedy the problems with new containers. (5*) Such technical defects can occur in agriculture without being considered intentional environmental pollution.
Accusations against livestock farming
Animal Rebellion filed a complaint against Felßner based on secretly taken images, which were leaked to PETA and showed cattle with feces-covered legs. (6*) Felßner described the recordings as illegal and filed a lawsuit. (7*) Animal welfare expert Frigga Wirths explained that feces on cattle in loose housing is not uncommon and does not indicate any violations. (8*) The Nuremberg-Fürth public prosecutor's office reported no complaints as of April 4, 2025, and the evidence is considered weak. (9*) Nevertheless, activists used the images to defame Felßner as an "animal abuser." A veterinary inspection on March 21, 2025, found minor to moderate deficiencies in bedding, manure removal, and veterinary care. (10*) Felßner reportedly implemented the orders immediately. (11*) During a follow-up inspection on March 25, 2025, all deficiencies had been remedied. (12*) Felßner rejected speculation that these deficiencies influenced his resignation, citing the protest on his farm as the sole reason. (13*)
Protest or Ecoterrorism?
On March 24, 2025, while Felßner was away, activists from "Animal Rebellion" invaded his farm, unfurled a banner ("No Animal Exploiter as Agriculture Minister"), and lit flares on a stable while his wife and employees were present. (14*) The smoke caused stress in the animals and fear in those present. (15*) Felßner spoke of an "attack," and the police are investigating for trespassing. (16*) Markus Söder called for a special investigation and called the action "criminal." (17*) The "taz" newspaper qualified this by saying that the stable is located 400 meters from the house. (18*) However, the Bavarian Farmers' Association emphasized that the farm and the stable are closely connected. (19*) Such actions in sensitive areas such as daycare centers would be unthinkable, yet the protest received no media attention. Anyone who uses smoke bombs crosses the line into extremism and endangers lives.
Felßner's Transparency
In a video interview with the "Bayerisches Landwirtschaftliche Wochenblatt," Felßner described the incidents and the psychological consequences for his family, especially his wife, who needed care. (20*) On March 25, 2025, he published a statement on the BBV website in which he rejected the allegations, condemned the barn break-in and threatening emails, and justified his withdrawal with the attacks on his family. (21*) He emphasized that the animal welfare allegations were unfounded, which expert Wirths confirmed, and called for criminal prosecution. (22*) These statements demonstrate Felßner's attempt to provide fact-based information.
A Resignation with a Signal Effect
Felßner's withdrawal on March 25, 2025, based on the attacks, is understandable. (23*) He had spoken out against the ferry blockade against Habeck, which demonstrates a democratic stance. (24*) His case warns: When storms of outrage eliminate opponents, democracy becomes a dictatorship of opinion.
What Remains? A Bitter Aftertaste
After his withdrawal, interest in facts faded. The image of an "environmental sinner" and "animal exploiter" remained, characterized by clickbait headlines from "Der Spiegel" or "Zeit Online" such as "Deficiencies in the Barn" or "Environmental Penalty." (25*) Differentiated reports appeared only in the trade press such as "Bayerisches La"ndwirtschaftliches Wochenblatt" or "Agrarheute". (26*) Petitions from Campact and the Munich Environmental Institute branded Felßner without examining his positions. (27*) This development alienates people who want to take responsibility. Pluralism requires treating even controversial candidates fairly.
Conclusion: For a new culture of dialogue
We need a return to nuanced debate with facts and respect. Animal welfare must not endanger people, and those in positions of responsibility must not be chased away by mobs. Democracy thrives on debate, not purges. Otherwise, we will not only lose candidates like Felßner, but also trust in the political culture.
April 28, 2025
René Rempt is an agricultural scientist and consultant for regenerative no-till agriculture. Growing up on a farm, he gained extensive practical experience in agricultural trade, biogas, and precision farming projects. Today, he combines traditional agriculture with innovative technologies such as AI and digital tools. His hobby is agricultural public relations.
CLICK HERE FOR THE NEW BOOK
TICKETS FOR THE SHOW "SONGS & STORIES" Künast,%20Renate.%20Post%20on%20X,%20March%2020,%202025.
"After%20the%20federal%20election:%20Will%20an%20environmental%20criminal%20now%20become%20Minister%20of%20Agriculture?",%20Utopia,%20February%2024,%202025.
"Water%20polluted:%20Verdict%20against%20farmers\'%20official",%20Welt,%20September%2030,%202018.
"Penalty%20order:%20This%20is%20why%20Günther%20Felßner%20is%20appealing",%20Agrarheute,%20February%2027,%202018.
"Criminal%20complaint%20against%20Felßner:%20Expert%20sees%20no%20evidence",%20Bayerisches%20Landwirtschaftliches%20Wochenblatt,%20April%204%202025.
"Criminal%20complaint%20against%20farmers\'%20president:%20Animal%20welfare%20expert%20sees%20no%20evidence,"%20Agrarheute,%20April%204,%202025.
"Bavaria:%20Veterinary%20office%20finds%20deficiencies%20in%20Günther%20Felßner\'s%20stable,"%20Süddeutsche%20Zeitung,%20April%201,%202025.
"Günther%20Felßner:%20This%20is%20what%20inspectors%20found%20in%20the%20stable%20of%20the%20almost-Agriculture%20Minister,"%20Der%20Spiegel,%20April%204,%202025.
"Günther%20Felßner:%20Veterinary%20office%20finds%20deficiencies%20in%20the%20stable%20of%20the%20almost-Agriculture%20Minister,"%20Der%20Spiegel,%20April%201,%202025.
"Authority%20confirms:%20Deficiencies%20found%20on%20Felßner\'s%20farm,"%20BR24,%20April%201,%202025.
"Günther%20Felßner:%20Did%20deficiencies%20in%20the%20stable%20play%20a%20role%20in%20the%20withdrawal?",%20Frankfurter%20Allgemeine%20Zeitung,%20April%202,%202025.
"Günther%20Felßner:%20"I%20would%20like%20I%20can\'t%20expect%20my%20family%20to%20go%20through%20that,"%20Zeit%20Online,%20March%2027,%202025.
"Hundreds%20of%20farmers%20show%20their%20support%20for%20Felßner:%20No%20room%20for%20violence,"%20Bayerisches%20Landwirtschaftliches%20Wochenblatt,%20March%2029,%202025.
"Günther%20Felßner%20defends%20himself%20after%20PETA%20campaign,"%20Bayerisches%20Landwirtschaftliches%20Wochenblatt,%20April%202,%202025.
"Günther%20Felßner:%20Animal%20rights%20activists%20protest%20on%20farm,"%20taz,%20March%2025,%202025.
"Support%20for%20Felßner:%20Agriculture%20ministers%20condemn%20attacks,"%20Bayerisches%20Landwirtschaftliches%20Wochenblatt,%20March%2028,%202025.
"Felßner:%20\'Animal%20owners%20must%20not%20be%20fair%20game%20for%20criminals,\'"%20Bayerisches%20Landwirtschaftliches%20Wochenblatt,%20April%209,%202025.
%20"Statement%20by%20Günther%20Felßner%20on%20his%20withdrawal,"%20Bavarian%20Farmers\\'%20Association,%20March%2025%202025,%20%20#https://www.bayerischerbauernverband.de/aktuelles/stellungnahme-von-g%C3%BCnther-fel%C3%9Fner-zum-r%C3%BCckzug." target="_blank">TICKETS FOR THE SHOW "HE\\'S BACK"
"Günther Felßner - Wikipedia", Wikipedia, March 25, 2025.
"Urgent action: Let's stop this Minister of Agriculture!", Umweltinstitut.org, March 19, 2025.
Outrage replaces debate
Even before a factual debate about Felßner's suitability began, a wave of outrage erupted, particularly on platforms like X. Users like Renate Künast branded him anti-science and environmentally damaging without examining his positions. (2*) The goal was to quickly eliminate the candidate rather than discuss the substance. Anyone who is assigned to the "wrong camp" has little chance of fair treatment or differentiated media coverage. The focus was on two incidents: a 2018 conviction for negligent water pollution and allegations by the animal welfare organization "Animal Rebellion" of violations of the Farm Animal Keeping Ordinance, underpinned by a protest on Felßner's farm.
The legal aspect: Negligent, not intentional
In 2018, the Hersbruck District Court sentenced Felßner to a fine of 90 daily rates of EUR80 each for discharging silage juice into a neighboring property from 2011 to 2016, causing soil and water pollution. (3*) No intent was found, but rather negligent omission, as Felßner failed to respond in a timely manner after being tipped off in 2015. (4*) Felßner emphasized that he had not intended to cause damage and would remedy the problems with new containers. (5*) Such technical defects can occur in agriculture without being considered intentional environmental pollution.
Accusations against livestock farming
Animal Rebellion filed a complaint against Felßner based on secretly taken images, which were leaked to PETA and showed cattle with feces-covered legs. (6*) Felßner described the recordings as illegal and filed a lawsuit. (7*) Animal welfare expert Frigga Wirths explained that feces on cattle in loose housing is not uncommon and does not indicate any violations. (8*) The Nuremberg-Fürth public prosecutor's office reported no complaints as of April 4, 2025, and the evidence is considered weak. (9*) Nevertheless, activists used the images to defame Felßner as an "animal abuser." A veterinary inspection on March 21, 2025, found minor to moderate deficiencies in bedding, manure removal, and veterinary care. (10*) Felßner reportedly implemented the orders immediately. (11*) During a follow-up inspection on March 25, 2025, all deficiencies had been remedied. (12*) Felßner rejected speculation that these deficiencies influenced his resignation, citing the protest on his farm as the sole reason. (13*)
Protest or Ecoterrorism?
On March 24, 2025, while Felßner was away, activists from "Animal Rebellion" invaded his farm, unfurled a banner ("No Animal Exploiter as Agriculture Minister"), and lit flares on a stable while his wife and employees were present. (14*) The smoke caused stress in the animals and fear in those present. (15*) Felßner spoke of an "attack," and the police are investigating for trespassing. (16*) Markus Söder called for a special investigation and called the action "criminal." (17*) The "taz" newspaper qualified this by saying that the stable is located 400 meters from the house. (18*) However, the Bavarian Farmers' Association emphasized that the farm and the stable are closely connected. (19*) Such actions in sensitive areas such as daycare centers would be unthinkable, yet the protest received no media attention. Anyone who uses smoke bombs crosses the line into extremism and endangers lives.
Felßner's Transparency
In a video interview with the "Bayerisches Landwirtschaftliche Wochenblatt," Felßner described the incidents and the psychological consequences for his family, especially his wife, who needed care. (20*) On March 25, 2025, he published a statement on the BBV website in which he rejected the allegations, condemned the barn break-in and threatening emails, and justified his withdrawal with the attacks on his family. (21*) He emphasized that the animal welfare allegations were unfounded, which expert Wirths confirmed, and called for criminal prosecution. (22*) These statements demonstrate Felßner's attempt to provide fact-based information.
A Resignation with a Signal Effect
Felßner's withdrawal on March 25, 2025, based on the attacks, is understandable. (23*) He had spoken out against the ferry blockade against Habeck, which demonstrates a democratic stance. (24*) His case warns: When storms of outrage eliminate opponents, democracy becomes a dictatorship of opinion.
What Remains? A Bitter Aftertaste
After his withdrawal, interest in facts faded. The image of an "environmental sinner" and "animal exploiter" remained, characterized by clickbait headlines from "Der Spiegel" or "Zeit Online" such as "Deficiencies in the Barn" or "Environmental Penalty." (25*) Differentiated reports appeared only in the trade press such as "Bayerisches La"ndwirtschaftliches Wochenblatt" or "Agrarheute". (26*) Petitions from Campact and the Munich Environmental Institute branded Felßner without examining his positions. (27*) This development alienates people who want to take responsibility. Pluralism requires treating even controversial candidates fairly.
Conclusion: For a new culture of dialogue
We need a return to nuanced debate with facts and respect. Animal welfare must not endanger people, and those in positions of responsibility must not be chased away by mobs. Democracy thrives on debate, not purges. Otherwise, we will not only lose candidates like Felßner, but also trust in the political culture.
April 28, 2025
René Rempt is an agricultural scientist and consultant for regenerative no-till agriculture. Growing up on a farm, he gained extensive practical experience in agricultural trade, biogas, and precision farming projects. Today, he combines traditional agriculture with innovative technologies such as AI and digital tools. His hobby is agricultural public relations.
CLICK HERE FOR THE NEW BOOK
TICKETS FOR THE SHOW "SONGS & STORIES" Künast,%20Renate.%20Post%20on%20X,%20March%2020,%202025.
"After%20the%20federal%20election:%20Will%20an%20environmental%20criminal%20now%20become%20Minister%20of%20Agriculture?",%20Utopia,%20February%2024,%202025.
"Water%20polluted:%20Verdict%20against%20farmers\'%20official",%20Welt,%20September%2030,%202018.
"Penalty%20order:%20This%20is%20why%20Günther%20Felßner%20is%20appealing",%20Agrarheute,%20February%2027,%202018.
"Criminal%20complaint%20against%20Felßner:%20Expert%20sees%20no%20evidence",%20Bayerisches%20Landwirtschaftliches%20Wochenblatt,%20April%204%202025.
"Criminal%20complaint%20against%20farmers\'%20president:%20Animal%20welfare%20expert%20sees%20no%20evidence,"%20Agrarheute,%20April%204,%202025.
"Bavaria:%20Veterinary%20office%20finds%20deficiencies%20in%20Günther%20Felßner\'s%20stable,"%20Süddeutsche%20Zeitung,%20April%201,%202025.
"Günther%20Felßner:%20This%20is%20what%20inspectors%20found%20in%20the%20stable%20of%20the%20almost-Agriculture%20Minister,"%20Der%20Spiegel,%20April%204,%202025.
"Günther%20Felßner:%20Veterinary%20office%20finds%20deficiencies%20in%20the%20stable%20of%20the%20almost-Agriculture%20Minister,"%20Der%20Spiegel,%20April%201,%202025.
"Authority%20confirms:%20Deficiencies%20found%20on%20Felßner\'s%20farm,"%20BR24,%20April%201,%202025.
"Günther%20Felßner:%20Did%20deficiencies%20in%20the%20stable%20play%20a%20role%20in%20the%20withdrawal?",%20Frankfurter%20Allgemeine%20Zeitung,%20April%202,%202025.
"Günther%20Felßner:%20"I%20would%20like%20I%20can\'t%20expect%20my%20family%20to%20go%20through%20that,"%20Zeit%20Online,%20March%2027,%202025.
"Hundreds%20of%20farmers%20show%20their%20support%20for%20Felßner:%20No%20room%20for%20violence,"%20Bayerisches%20Landwirtschaftliches%20Wochenblatt,%20March%2029,%202025.
"Günther%20Felßner%20defends%20himself%20after%20PETA%20campaign,"%20Bayerisches%20Landwirtschaftliches%20Wochenblatt,%20April%202,%202025.
"Günther%20Felßner:%20Animal%20rights%20activists%20protest%20on%20farm,"%20taz,%20March%2025,%202025.
"Support%20for%20Felßner:%20Agriculture%20ministers%20condemn%20attacks,"%20Bayerisches%20Landwirtschaftliches%20Wochenblatt,%20March%2028,%202025.
"Felßner:%20\'Animal%20owners%20must%20not%20be%20fair%20game%20for%20criminals,\'"%20Bayerisches%20Landwirtschaftliches%20Wochenblatt,%20April%209,%202025.
"Urgent action: Let's stop this Minister of Agriculture!", Umweltinstitut.org, March 19, 2025.
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