The three regional prime ministers from Eastern Germany-Mario Voigt representing Thuringia, Sven Schulze from Saxony-Anhalt, and Michael Kretschmer from Saxony, all of whom belong to the Christian Democratic Union (CDU)-have publicly called on the federal government to immediately suspend the CO2 levy to lower gasoline prices.
Voigt told the “Bild” newspaper that this measure could make fuel cheaper by up to 16 cents per liter. He emphasized that high fuel costs impose an enormous strain on many people in the region, stating that a temporary suspension of the CO2 pricing mechanism is necessary to create quickly noticeable relief. He stressed that any measures must have an immediate effect, ultimately focusing on “what reaches people’s wallets”.
Similarly, Schulze, the head of the government in Saxony-Anhalt, told the “Bild” that the federal government must act now. He argued that high prices are burdening everyone and need to be reduced. According to Schulze, the CO2 tax must be suspended, and prices should then be strictly monitored by the cartel office. He dismissed alternative suggestions, such as discounted train tickets or a higher commuter allowance, as ineffective, not universally helpful, and not providing a short-term solution.
Kretschmer, the prime minister of Saxony, labeled the current form of the CO2 levy as nothing more than an additional burden on the middle class. He noted that while commuters, craftsmen, and families are having to take from their pockets daily, frustration is growing across the country. He stated that this is politically incorrect, and therefore clearly asserted that the CO2 levy must be suspended now, before climate policy exacerbates social division.
