Vice Chancellor and SPD leader Lars Klingbeil insists on state intervention to help car owners in Germany due to high gasoline and diesel prices, despite the Chancellor having declined such measures. Speaking to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” (Saturday edition), Klingbeil stated that, “The most effective approach right now is market intervention, which we see in other European countries” adding that they should have the “courage” to follow suit.
His proposed plan involves three measures. First is a “windfall tax” which is currently being examined by the European Commission. According to Klingbeil, this would allow them to reclaim profits made during times of crisis and use the funds for genuine relief for citizens. Second is a reduction in energy taxes to quickly lower prices at the gas pumps. The third point is to cap the prices, suggesting a flexible maximum price for both liters of gasoline and diesel. “We need a price ceiling”.
These suggestions contrast sharply with the views of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and Economy Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU), who have strictly rejected such ideas. Given that intensive negotiations between the CDU and SPD are anticipated over the weekend-as a resolution was expected by the beginning of next week-Klingbeil questioned the resistance. He remarked, “I cannot explain to anyone why the government in Belgium, Luxembourg, or Greece-none of these are communist countries now-is setting price limits, while ours are skyrocketing”. He concluded by mentioning that the “very fragile truce” has unfortunately not resulted in a quick drop in prices, and that he is losing hope for an immediate improvement.
