Yasmin Fahimi, chairwoman of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), has called upon the federal government for extensive relief measures in response to rising energy costs. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” (Friday edition), Fahimi emphasized that Germany operates as an absolute high-price country when it comes to energy, and that this situation is currently counterproductive.
She demands that the state reduce taxes on energy and mineral oils. Furthermore, she insists that the electricity tax must be uniformly lowered to the minimum European level. Fahimi warned that the government should not profit from increasing energy prices, which pose a serious problem for many businesses and individuals.
Regarding the high costs at the pump, Fahimi stated that introducing a fuel price cap would be the most consistent solution right now. Simultaneously, she proposed implementing a “windfall tax” to recoup potential excess profits made by the mineral oil industry. Looking ahead to winter, the DGB chairwoman also called for limitations on gas costs. “We need a second gas price brake because many people do not know how they are going to pay for their heating gas,” Fahimi remarked.
