Digital politician and former CDU parliamentary group leader Ralph Brinkhaus has called for the implementation of a direct state payout mechanism to manage emergencies, citing the current energy price crisis as an example. Speaking to the “Tagesspiegel Background”, Brinkhaus stated that the failure to establish such a channel is regrettable, emphasizing that a targeted payout system is necessary to provide precise assistance during times of crisis, rather than a general, indiscriminate approach.
He also expressed concern over the absence of a per-capita climate dividend. For Brinkhaus, this mechanism is essential for fairness, arguing that citizens should receive at least partial compensation for the increased burdens resulting from higher CO2 prices.
Regarding the current energy situation, Brinkhaus believes that insufficient lessons were learned from the previous energy crisis following Russia’s attack on Ukraine. He stressed the importance of reducing Germany’s dependency on imported oil and gas, noting how swiftly regional crises can severely impact the country.
Turning to criticism that Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) is pushing a pro-fossilized direction through her energy legislation, Brinkhaus suggested that the topic of “renewables and energy efficiency” would be more easily advanced if it were framed in a more positive light.
Finally, Brinkhaus firmly rejected any calls-including those from parts of the CDU/CSU-to make concessions on carbon emission trading systems. He insisted that the ETS-2 system for buildings and transport must be maintained, arguing that the discussion surrounding it is currently heading in the wrong direction. He pointed out that businesses have already invested in anticipating both emissions trading systems (ETS-1 for industry, and ETS-2 for residential and transport), and therefore require immediate planning certainty.
