Ahead of a vote on reducing the energy tax for the months of May and June, CDU politician Sepp Müller defended the measure but stressed the necessity of developing more targeted, long-term forms of aid. According to the “Rheinische Post” the head of the task force on economic consequences of the Iran crisis stated that the fuel discount provides “quick relief for commuters, artisans, farmers, and families, particularly in rural areas where a car is essential”. However, he cautioned, “Over the long term, we need more focused measures. Not every consequence of a global crisis can be offset solely with tax money. Support should reach only where it is most desperately needed”.
The coalition plans to cut the energy tax on gasoline and diesel by 17 cents per liter for a period of two months, a decision expected to be made by the Bundestag and Bundesrat on Friday.
The opposition criticized the government’s response sharply. Ines Schwerdtner, leader of Linken, told the newspaper that “the government’s measures are too late and insufficient: Merz and his people are failing completely”. She called for immediate, noticeable relief, demanding both an immediately disbursed energy crisis payment of 150 euros and the reintroduction of the 9-euro ticket. Additionally, she insisted that the electricity tax must be immediately lowered to the minimum permissible level under European law.
