Consumer advocates are voicing concerns that policymakers are insufficiently addressing the daily struggles faced by citizens. Ramona Pop, Director of the German Association of Consumer Organizations (VZBV), expressed this sentiment in a recent interview, highlighting a growing perception among the public that their concerns are not being prioritized.
Pop attributed this disconnect, in part, to the focus on significant geopolitical crises which she believes has diverted attention from pressing domestic issues. She specifically criticized the government’s failure to deliver on promises of relief regarding electricity taxes, a matter significantly impacting household budgets.
Furthermore, Pop called for stricter measures to curb escalating food prices. Proposals include mandatory labeling of deceptive packaging – often referred to as “shrinkflation” – and the establishment of a price monitoring agency, modeled after the system currently operating in France. This agency would scrutinize profit margins within the food industry.
“Food prices have risen by more than a third since 2020” Pop stated. She emphasized the growing reliance on overdraft facilities among households simply to manage essential living expenses, a situation she deemed unacceptable. The consumer advocate urged renewed focus on the immediate economic hardships affecting everyday citizens.
