Berlin. Rising energy prices are forcing governments across Europe to develop relief packages. On Thursday, the Berlin-based traffic light coalition SPD, Greens and FDP unveiled new projects for the second time in a few weeks. With this second package, all citizens are to be released from several hundred euros. The emphasis is on paying 300 euros to all employees and cutting fuel prices by up to 30 cents every three months. There should also be a public transport ticket for three months at a special price. In addition, there is a one-time bonus of € 100 for child and social welfare benefits.
FDP leader and finance minister Christian Lindner put the costs at around 16 billion euros, which should be roughly equivalent to the first package. In total, this relief is reflected in a budget of around EUR 32 billion.
The reductions in fuel prices were particularly controversial. Finance Minister Lindner had the idea early on and proposed a voucher system. Now it is to be implemented for a limited period of three months by reducing the tax on mineral oils to a European minimum. Gas should be 30 cents and diesel 14 cents cheaper per liter. Additionally, under pressure from the Greens, a public transport ticket at the price of EUR 9 per month is to be offered in Germany for 90 days.
economy dissatisfied
Already in the first package of reliefs from the end of February, the government announced a tax relief, incl. in the form of a discount for commuters. First of all, as of July, the tax on the electricity price is to be abolished in order to promote renewable energy sources. This could make the tariff a fifth cheaper than in 2021. Business and commerce also praised it.
The economy reacts with disappointment to new projects. – The decisions of the ruling coalition cannot really alleviate the serious fears in the economy – commented Peter Adrian, president of the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry. From the point of view of many companies, the reduction of the energy tax for three months is just a drop in the ocean of needs and it cannot help the particularly affected industry. Historically high electricity and energy prices have threatened the very existence of many German companies. Craftsmanship expressed a similar opinion: “To ease the burden of this price explosion and to compensate for the difficulties, the temporary relief in fuel costs is not enough,” said craftsman Hans Peter Wollseifer.
In order to reduce gas consumption, the government also wants to delay the planned closure of the heaps. However, it wants to end its dependence on Russia as soon as possible, switch to climate-friendly energy sources and secure supplies.