Schleswig-Holstein’s State Premier Daniel Günther (CDU) has expressed his disappointment regarding the recent agreement on expanding the “Mütterrente” (mothers’ pension) and the decision to forgo further relief on electricity taxes. Speaking to the “Berlin Playbook” podcast of the news magazine “Politico” Günther characterized the outcome as “a rather peculiar prioritization.
The CDU politician stated he had anticipated an agreement on a more comprehensive reduction of electricity taxes, extending the benefits to private households. “It’s a B-grade in this regard that we were unable to reach an agreement on this question” Günther commented, adding that this development “slightly dampens the initial momentum”. However, he generally acknowledged a positive start to the coalition’s work.
Günther also defended Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) against criticism from within his own CDU party. “Some in my party have said that Lars Klingbeil is to blame for everything” the Minister President observed. “I believe it is far-fetched to discuss it in this way. Everyone bears responsibility.
Regarding the accelerated expansion of the “Mütterrente” Günther indicated he did not view it as the most appropriate signal. “I always understood it this way: we are creating special funds and we are all agreed that the money invested now also has the goal of achieving economic recovery” Günther explained. From his perspective, it would have been more fitting if electricity prices for all had decreased even more significantly than initially planned.
The coalition agreement outlined a commitment to permanently relieve businesses and consumers in Germany by at least five cents per kilowatt-hour through a package of measures. This initially included a reduction in electricity tax to the European minimum, alongside reductions in surcharges and grid fees. The goal was to ensure planning security by permanently capping grid fees. However, the federal budget for 2026, recently approved by the federal cabinet, now limits the electricity tax reduction to agricultural and forestry businesses, as well as industry.
