Facing low filling levels in German gas storage facilities at the beginning of the heating season, the Left Parliamentary Group in the Bundestag is demanding immediate financial relief for all citizens. Jörg Cezanne, the group’s energy policy spokesman, stated to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” that in addition to the annual €320 climate dividend, they require the prompt distribution of an additional €150 energy crisis payment to every citizen. He believes this measure would immediately alleviate the greatest hardships.
The Left politician further proposed that this payment be classified as “additional income” during tax declarations, ensuring that those with the lowest incomes and who are not tax-liable benefit the most.
This renewed demand is part of a comprehensive six-point plan put forward by the Left Parliamentary Group aimed at guaranteeing an affordable gas supply. The party insists that the state-owned energy corporations, Uniper and Securing Energy for Europe (SEFE), which were nationalized in 2022, must be obliged to continuously refill the gas reservoirs to avert shortages. Additionally, they demand an independent oversight body to monitor gas prices and regulate the profit margins of these energy corporations.
The Left also calls for the banning of gas and electricity blackouts implemented by energy providers. Furthermore, the party insists on the immediate halt of the re-privatization of Uniper and SEFE. Cezanne strongly criticized the potential privatization, asserting that “the privatization of Uniper and SEFE is simply incorrect.” To fund necessary relief measures, they also propose implementing a windfall tax on oil, gas, and coal.
The backdrop to the current demands is the low storage level of approximately 58% reported by the Left at the start of the season. The group used the opportunity to criticize Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche (CDU). Cezanne told the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” that instead of preparing for supply shortfalls, Minister Reiche focused on making Uniper “fit” for privatization, meaning that substantial profits were prioritized over ensuring supply security with affordable gas.
Given the rising market prices for gas fueled by the Iran conflict, the Left warns that many tenants could consequently face steep back payment demands.
