Consumer advocates are voicing concerns that policymakers are losing sight of the daily struggles faced by citizens, overshadowed by significant geopolitical events. Ramona Pop, Director of the German Association of Consumer Organizations (VZBV), expressed this sentiment in an interview, emphasizing a growing perception that political focus has drifted away from pressing household issues.
Pop highlighted the disappointment among consumers regarding promised electricity tax relief, arguing that the measures have not delivered the anticipated support. A particular point of contention is the accelerating rise in food prices, which have surged by more than a third since 2020. This inflationary pressure is forcing an increasing number of individuals to rely on overdraft facilities to cover essential living expenses, a situation Pop deems unacceptable.
The consumer advocate called for stricter measures against price increases and suggested several specific actions. She proposed mandatory labeling of “shrinkflation” packaging, where product quantity is reduced while maintaining the same price and advocated for the establishment of a price monitoring body, similar to the model operating in France. This body would be tasked with investigating how profits are being distributed within the food sector.
