Felix Banaszak, the leader of the Green party, spoke out against a potential increase in the commuter subsidy, instead calling for a temporary speed limit to alleviate the burden of high fuel prices. According to the “Rheinische Post” (Friday edition), Banaszak stated that raising the commuter subsidy would not significantly affect the acute strain on citizens. He suggested that implementing a temporary speed limit would be the most logical and quickly actionable measure in the mobility sector. The Green politician explained, “If fuel consumption drops, the price pressure will ease. This would particularly benefit those who rely on their cars for work every day”.
Conversely, Banaszak welcomed the coalition’s potential plans to lower the electricity tax for everyone. While calling the suggestion from Friedrich Merz (CDU) welcome, he critiqued the timing, saying it was “far too late…. and in doubt, another turn that will have no consequence”. Furthermore, he demanded an “extra profit levy” on the oil companies and a more affordable Germany ticket.
Separately, a report from the “Bild” newspaper indicated that Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) is amenable to a noticeable increase in the commuter subsidy, moving it from the current 38 cents up to as much as 45 cents per kilometer.
