The SPD views the considerations put forward by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) regarding an increase in the commuter allowance, given high fuel prices, critically. Dirk Wiese, parliamentary officer for “Rheinische Post” (Friday edition), stated that “the commuter allowance would only provide temporary relief, and that in a very small scope”. Wiese added that it would be more beneficial to introduce a fuel price cap alongside a “super-profit tax” for energy companies, as this is, in his opinion, the effective instrument for providing immediate relief to citizens. Nevertheless, the SPD politician also mentioned that it is “fundamentally welcome that our coalition partner now recognizes that further relief measures are urgently needed”. According to “Bild” there is discussion about raising the commuter allowance from its current rate of 38 cents to up to 45 cents per kilometer. This relief would then reach citizens through their tax returns in the coming year.
Politics
