Federal Economic Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) is maintaining her proposal to specifically relieve certain segments of the population from the burden of high fuel prices through a direct payment mechanism. Speaking to RTL and ntv on Monday, Reiche stated that such a tool is available and represents a quick way to offer aid, particularly to income groups that pay little or no taxes.
The Federal Ministry of Finance is responsible for implementing this direct payment mechanism. It is worth noting that disputes regarding the correct countermeasures against high fuel prices had previously occurred between Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) and Reiche months ago.
The Minister of Economic Affairs also discussed the possibility of a commuter allowance (Pendlerpauschale). While acknowledging that this proposal might be coming late to the debate, Reiche argued that such a measure would significantly reduce the overall annual cost of living compared to the current situation. She mentioned that her ministry had suggested this set of measures at the beginning of the crisis and intends to push it further into the current coalition discussions.
Furthermore, Reiche wants to examine where energy taxes can be lowered. She believes it is correct to review energy taxes and identify areas for potential cuts, given the massive strain high fuel prices place on people who depend on cars. She clarified that the coalition had agreed that currently, there are insufficient financial margins to implement another fuel discount.
Instead, the focus must shift to other energy taxes. Reiche explained that reducing the electricity tax, for instance, would not directly help someone at the gas pump. Instead, examining the various energy taxes while avoiding imposing additional burdens is the priority. She highlighted the Federal Immissions Trading Act as a critical current focus.
When questioned about the possibility of another fuel discount, Reiche emphasized that the financial capacity for such a reduction is not currently available. She concluded by stressing that the coalition must decide how to allocate resources across the other energy taxes that are currently contributing to the high prices.
