Facing persistently high gasoline and energy prices, the Left Party has called on the federal government to implement a comprehensive “relief package”. Ines Schwerdtner, head of the Left Party, told the “Rheinische Post” (Friday edition) that if Friedrich Merz is serious, he must deliver tangible relief to everyday life through several measures. These demands include effectively capping prices, consistently reclaiming the crisis profits made by energy corporations, and immediately introducing a €150 energy crisis payment alongside a 9-Euro ticket. Schwerdtner added that simply increasing commuter allowances or lowering electricity costs would be insufficient if the prices of energy and groceries continue to rise sharply.
Similarly, the German Social Welfare Association (SoVD) demanded state aid. Michaela Engelmeier, chairperson of the SoVD, stated that people need to be relieved of the burden caused by high inflation, continuously rising rents, and now exploding energy costs. According to Engelmeier, it is unacceptable for certain companies to profit from the crisis while ordinary citizens bear the cost. Therefore, she emphasized the urgent need to consider implementing temporary windfall taxes.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) stated on Thursday that the federal government has not yet reached an agreement on possible relief measures. He indicated that the government would take action if prices were to rise significantly and permanently despite current signs of easing.
