A proposal for a “Pact for Affordable Living” is being spearheaded by members of the Green Party within the German Bundestag, aiming to alleviate rising costs for housing, energy, food and transportation.
The initiative, slated for formal adoption during a party retreat this Friday, addresses the escalating price pressures impacting households across the nation. Green Party parliamentary group leader Katharina Dröge highlighted the palpable effect on consumers, citing examples like rising costs for basic groceries. She emphasized the difficulty many families and apprentices face in securing affordable housing in urban areas, with a significant portion of the population holding less than €2,000 in savings.
The proposed measures encompass a wide range of potential interventions. Key elements include the introduction of a family ticket for the Deutschlandticket, priced at €49 and the implementation of a social leasing program for electric vehicles, modeled after a similar system in France. Furthermore, the Green Party advocates for free school and kindergarten meals. Addressing imbalances within the food supply chain, the proposal champions the establishment of a price transparency body to benefit both consumers and farmers.
Regarding energy costs, the plan calls for lower electricity prices and the widespread adoption of smart meters to facilitate dynamic pricing options. Recognizing the strain on the housing market, the “Affordable Living Program” aims to promote non-profit housing, restricts index-linked rent adjustments (“rent caps”) and introduces a cap on ancillary costs. The overall goal is to provide tangible relief for German citizens struggling with the rising cost of living.
