Gitta Connemann, the head of the Mittelstandsunion (MIT), is warning coalition leaders against intervening in the market due to the high costs of energy. Instead, she is calling for relief measures through an increase in the commuter allowance, thereby backing the policy stance of Federal Minister of Economic Affairs, Katherina Reiche.
Speaking to the news magazine “Focus” Connemann stated that the German SME sector faces a crisis, noting, “It is past the point of no return for our SMEs in Germany. The German economy has been stagnating for years”. She added that the fuel price crisis acts like an accelerant during this period of structural weakness, suggesting immediate action is necessary to prevent a widespread economic meltdown.
The CDU economic politician warned against hasty measures or market interventions, claiming they are likely to fail or backfire. She urged that commuters and logistics workers need immediate relief, advocating for “a boost to the commuter allowance and the mobility bonus for low-income earners” and “direct payouts”. Furthermore, she demanded a reduction in the energy tax on truck diesel or commercial diesel.
Connemann also serves as a parliamentary state secretary within the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs. Her minister, Katherina Reiche, is currently facing significant criticism. On Friday, Reiche criticized the SPD for demanding an excess profit tax and a flexible fuel price ceiling, even after Chancellor Friedrich Merz had called on his ministerial colleagues to reach an agreement. Following this exchange, the CDU leader publicly reprimanded his party colleague in an unusual move.
