Sören Pellmann, the leader of the Left Party’s parliamentary group, has called for a revival of the 9‑Euro ticket as a way to combat the recent surge in fuel costs. “We need to create an offer that gives people alternatives” Pellmann told the broadcasters RTL and ntv.
Pellmann also dismissed a return to the fuel‑subsidy scheme that was introduced by the previous government in the summer of 2022 to blunt rising petrol prices. He said the subsidy never really reached consumers and was therefore “rather unsuitable”. Consequently, he sees it as an ineffective tool.
In light of Finance Minister Katherina Reiche’s announced review of the price spikes, Pellmann stressed that the call for action comes too late and demands concrete results quickly. “I do listen to the announcement, and I think it’s the right thing to do, but the approach is overdue” he said. He noted that demands for an investigation had already been voiced over the weekend.
For consumers, Pellmann wants clarity immediately. “I hope it’s not just an announcement that stays in the air, but that Minister Reiche actually takes action” he urged. He added that a study stretching weeks or months would be useless for consumers. When asked how soon a result should be produced, he replied, “By the beginning of next week”.
