Berlin – A potential shift in energy policy is emerging in Germany as Thorsten Frei, Minister at the Chancellery, indicated openness to revisiting the possibility of a broader reduction in electricity tax.
Speaking Sunday on public broadcaster ARD, Frei acknowledged the complexity of funding such a measure, stating that it would necessitate a reallocation of funds within the federal budget. “One must examine where the money would ultimately come from” he stated, “and if suitable opportunities exist and a consensus can be reached within the coalition, then it is a path worth discussing.
The comments come amidst ongoing debate regarding measures to alleviate the financial burden on citizens and businesses facing high energy costs. While initially limited in scope, calls for a more comprehensive reduction in electricity tax have grown, prompting consideration from within the ruling coalition.
When questioned about the prospect of budgetary negotiators from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Social Democratic Party (SPD) convening prior to the coalition committee meeting on July 2nd, Frei confirmed that such discussions are already routine. “They are constantly meeting anyway” he explained, “as budget officials are currently facing a very busy period finalizing the budget for parliamentary review.
The minister’s remarks suggest a willingness to explore options, contingent on finding viable funding sources and achieving agreement amongst coalition partners. Further discussions are expected to take place as Germany navigates the challenges of balancing economic relief with fiscal responsibility.
