Members of the state government’s opposition alliance, particularly from the CDU parliamentary group, have strongly criticized the SPD’s demands for rapid and comprehensive financial relief for citizens who are struggling due to high energy costs. Speaking to the “Tagesspiegel” on Saturday, CDU Member of Parliament and economic policymaker Tilman Kuban argued that a “full-package mentality” must end. He cautioned that the state cannot absorb all external geopolitical or global economic risks, especially given the current severity of the budget deficit and already high levels of national debt. Kuban emphasized that self-reliance requires individuals to first take care of themselves and their families, rather than immediately depending on the government during every crisis-a lesson Germany needs to relearn. Supporting this sentiment, CDU Member Inge Gräßle, who serves on the Budget Committee, also dismissed the idea of sweeping relief measures. She stated that the country lacks the necessary financial reserves and that the debts are already too high. Gräßle argued that before any relief packages can be considered, the current budget itself must first be revised, reprogrammed, and financial breathing room must be established, warning that attempting otherwise would repeat the budgetary mistakes made by the coalition government.
Mixed
