Consumer advocates have voiced sharp criticism of the proposed 2026 budget, highlighting the continued absence of relief measures for consumers facing high electricity costs. Ramona Pop, co-chair of the German Association of Consumer Organizations (VZBV), expressed disappointment regarding the budget’s direction in an interview with the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”.
Pop argued that the government’s prioritization of measures like increased commuter allowances and expanded parental pensions, alongside limitations on electricity price relief, signals a tendency to cater to specific interest groups rather than addressing the broader concerns of consumers. She deemed this approach “simply unacceptable.
The escalating cost of living, a persistent burden on households, necessitates immediate intervention, Pop stated. She urged the Bundestag to reconsider the budget allocation and implement corrective measures, emphasizing that such action is crucial for restoring public trust and demonstrating responsiveness to citizen concerns.
VZBV’s leadership underscored the government’s responsibility to develop policies for the benefit of all citizens and to proactively address future challenges. The organization also emphasized the importance of affordable electricity in achieving climate goals. Pop cautioned that continued high electricity prices will impede the transition to more sustainable heating and transportation solutions, effectively hindering investment in technologies such as heat pumps and electric vehicles.