Relief yes, but when? The traffic light is still blocked with the 3rd relief package. However, Lindner is open to a continuation of the 9-euro ticket. And otherwise?
Meseberg – How does the government want to help the citizens of Germany with the 3rd relief package? In view of the current gas crisis and the other problems caused by the Ukraine war, the appearance of the Federal Chancellor and his ministers in front of Meseberg Castle was eagerly awaited. But Olaf Scholz (SPD), Robert Habeck (Greens) and Christian Lindner (FDP) on Wednesday, August 31, not. “We’re working on the big building, and the architecture of this building depends on all the individual parts, but they only make for a good construction together,” said Scholz, giving no insight into the coalition’s negotiations on the new relief package.
3. Relief package not presented: Cabinet meeting in Meseberg does not bring any further help for consumers
While the Chancellor spoke again of a turning point, praising the good cooperation with the government partners and announcing a “precise and tailor-made” relief package, the SPD politician tried to convey a picture of confidence: In view of the threatening scenarios, the government would have acted early and right decisions made. Nevertheless, he admitted that many citizens would still be concerned about the coming months. In view of the high prices, Minister of Finance Christian Lindner has therefore announced a “heavy package” to relieve the burden on citizens.
After Cabinet retreat in Meseberg and the debate on the 3rd relief package the FDP politician made it clear that the government has funds from the 2022 and 2023 budgets totaling a double-digit billion sum that could be used for further relief. “All in all, this is a very significant relief or support for the socially disadvantaged,” explained Lindner. However, it was not disclosed which measures the third relief package should contain. Also the time when the 3rd relief package will come could is still uncertain. What is considered certain, however, is that the short-time work allowance is to be extended.
3. Relief package: The SPD, Greens and FDP could decide that soon
- direct payments
- Successor to the 9-euro ticket
- Helps against the cold progression
- Extension of the commuter allowance
- Housing Benefit Reform
- energy price cap
Rejection of excess profit tax: Lindner criticizes “return autopilot”
Lindner, but also Olaf Scholz and Robert Habeck, confirmed in their statements after the retreat at Meseberg Castle that the third relief package aimed at the broad spectrum of society. According to the plans, low-income households should be considered separately. Since German society as a whole would suffer from the high prices for energy, the root of the problem would have to be tackled, according to Lindner. There is speculation on the electricity markets and also a kind of “return autopilot”. These rules mean that rising gas prices automatically lead to rising electricity prices and extra profits, especially for providers of green electricity, which is actually cheap.
However, Christian Lindner again rejected an excess profit tax for energy companies and referred to problems in other EU countries. Apart from the private consumers, who are currently suffering from the high gas and electricity prices, Economics Minister Habeck also brought the concerns of companies in the manufacturing industry to the fore. Because of the high costs, sheer fear is taking hold in many companies. It is therefore also a matter of giving companies development prospects, according to the Green Minister. However Habeck closed a gas price cap in advance out.
Third relief package should come “soon”: continuation of the 9-euro ticket under discussion
According to the traffic light politician, the early action of the federal government would also have ensured that Germany was prepared for the winter and the prices would not continue to shoot up “through the roof” endlessly. When asked about a sequel 9 euro ticket Chancellor and minister ruled with equal restraint. As with the other measures in the new relief package, the public would only be informed of the content once the deliberations had been concluded. “Punctures” would not exist. previously had However, Lindner likes the proposals of Volker Wissing (FDP) to continue the 9-euro ticket found.
Apart from the 3rd relief package, Scholz spoke about the changed security situation in the world and German armaments. According to the Chancellor, the 100 billion euros for the Bundeswehr are urgently needed in view of the current situation. Russia’s attack on Ukraine was an “imperialist attempt to use force to move borders”. For this reason, a separate security strategy is necessary. Another topic was the digital strategy with which Germany driving digitization forward want.
Criticism of the closed meeting in Meseberg: Söder and Bartsch miss concrete plans for the 3rd relief package
Criticism of the federal government’s approach to the third relief package came from Bavaria, among others. CSU boss Markus Söder accused the traffic light of having left out important decisions. “No relief package, no decision to extend nuclear power, no abolition of the gas surcharge. Beautiful pictures cannot replace good ones politics‘ the prime minister wrote on Twitter.
Left faction leader Dietmar Bartsch also agreed with the criticism: instead of deciding on concrete relief steps, those involved praised themselves. “This is unacceptable in view of the drama in the country,” said Bartsch, and accused the traffic light of “detachment on the sun deck” and “an enclosure of self-righteousness that smiles at the worries and needs of millions of people”.
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