The Green Party members in the Bundestag have criticized the reduction of the ticket tax on air travel, labeling the move a “blind flight” that is expected to lead to an increase in emissions. According to Lisa Badum, the Green parliamentary group’s climate policy spokesperson, this course of action is “not only unbelievable but also absolutely irresponsible” given Germany’s climate goals. The government maintains that lowering the tax will not increase emissions, yet critics noted that the government could not provide any evidence or even projections to support this claim when questioned. In response to an inquiry from the Green group, the federal government stated that no significant effects on commercial passenger air traffic or higher CO2 emissions are foreseen. The intended goal of the tax reduction, they explain, is to increase competitiveness. Furthermore, the government’s reply indicates that the airlines will be the primary beneficiaries of the tax cut, rather than the passengers.
Politics
