Schleswig-Holstein’s State Premier Daniel Günther (CDU) has expressed disappointment regarding recent agreements on the expansion of the parental allowance and the decision to forgo further reductions in electricity taxes. Speaking to the “Berlin Playbook” podcast of “Politico” news magazine on Friday, Günther characterized the outcome as “a rather peculiar prioritization.
The CDU politician stated he had anticipated an agreement on a more comprehensive reduction in electricity taxes, extending the benefits to private households. “It’s a deduction in the B grade that an agreement could not be reached on this issue” Günther commented, adding that this development “somewhat dampens the initial momentum”. Despite this, Günther generally lauded the coalition government’s initial performance.
Günther also defended Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) against criticism from within his own CDU party. “Some in my party have said that Lars Klingbeil is to blame for everything” the Prime Minister noted. “I believe it is far-fetched to discuss it in this way. Everyone bears responsibility.
Günther voiced his reservations about the accelerated expansion of the parental allowance, suggesting it was not the optimal signal. He explained his understanding was that the focus was on establishing special funds with the aim of fostering economic recovery. In his view, a more substantial reduction in electricity prices for all consumers would have been a more suitable approach.
The coalition agreement outlined a commitment to permanently relieve businesses and consumers in Germany by at least five cents per kilowatt-hour through a package of measures. This included an immediate reduction in electricity tax to the European minimum, along with the reduction of surcharges and grid fees. However, the federal budget for 2026, recently approved by the federal cabinet, now restricts the electricity tax reduction to the agricultural and forestry sectors, as well as industry.