A dispute has emerged within Germany’s ruling coalition regarding the timing of a planned reduction in electricity tax. Alexander Schweitzer, Minister-President of Rhineland-Palatinate and a deputy leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), has accused the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) of undermining decisions made at the highest levels of the government.
Schweitzer, in comments to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, expressed surprise and frustration at the CDU’s questioning of the agreement. He emphasized that the decision regarding the electricity tax reduction-specifically its current focus on industry, agriculture and forestry rather than private consumers-was a coordinated effort involving the Chancellery, the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the Federal Minister of Finance.
The current draft of the federal budget, presented recently by Federal Minister of Finance and SPD leader Lars Klingbeil, outlines the planned tax reduction for specific sectors. However, CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann has publicly advocated for a broader reduction that would benefit all consumers.
The disagreement highlights differing priorities within the coalition government and raises questions about the coordination of policy decisions. The CDU is reportedly reassessing its stance amidst the unfolding debate.
