To combat the recent surge in energy prices, the Green Party is calling for an energy allowance of up to €250 per person. This recommendation, put forward by party leaders Franziska Brantner, Michael Kellner, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s top candidate Claudia Müller, stems from a strategic plan, as reported by “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland.”
The Greens argue that the soaring costs of gas and gasoline are causing significant hardship for citizens and damaging the economy, necessitating immediate relief. To address this, they propose disbursing a tiered energy allowance of up to €250, which would be financed by imposing a windfall tax on the enormous profits generated by fossil fuel corporations. They estimate that seizing these double-digit billions in crisis profits could fund the energy allowances.
Furthermore, the party wants to reduce the electricity tax. They point out that lower electricity rates would make electric vehicles, heat pumps, and electrified industrial equipment even more appealing, accelerating the shift toward an electric future regardless of fluctuating gas and fuel prices.
The third key plank of their strategy involves boosting state incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles. The Greens assert that providing greater support for switching to an E-car would demonstrate how affordable driving can become, especially as gasoline and diesel prices continue to rise. They propose increasing the existing E-car grant, adding an extra €1,000 transition bonus specifically for low-income families. However, they stipulate that this subsidy must exclude vehicles manufactured in China.
In their closing remarks, the Greens also urged Federal Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) to prioritize filling up gas storage facilities and accelerating the expansion of renewable energy sources.
