Dirk Wiese, the parliamentary manager of the SPD’s parliamentary group, defended the call for a special ministerial conference with the federal government regarding energy supplies. Speaking to RTL and ntv, he emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “We must take the situation very seriously”. He noted that there was no easing of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, and that “we see an ill-informed U.S. president, and we are feeling the consequences immediately”. For this reason, he maintained that the SPD state premiers were correct in demanding a special ministerial conference, because the issue affects all levels of government.
Wiese also expressed significant concern over potential bottlenecks not only with kerosene, but also with supplies of aluminum and helium. He described the situation at gas stations as anything but relaxed, arguing that proactive crisis management is necessary. He believes this preparatory work is also a responsibility of the Chancellery. Recalling that Olaf Scholz established an energy security cabinet after the start of the Ukraine war to identify and prevent shortages, Wiese insisted, “We must now take this task on jointly at all levels”. He suggested that there was still “room for improvement” regarding preparedness.
Regarding the air transport industry’s request to suspend aviation taxes, Wiese rejected it. He stated, “I don’t think we can promise relief to everyone”. He believes the focus must instead be placed on the people who need their cars daily to get to work. According to the SPD politician, a balance must be struck because the state cannot finance everything. He concluded by emphasizing, “Focus on the people who need cars to get to work, to bring their children to school. We must relieve them of the burden”. He noted that the federal government is addressing this need this week by reducing pump prices by 17 cents.
