German Politicians Call for Reduction of Electricity Tax for Private Households
Berlin’s Governing Mayor, Kai Wegner and Saxony-Anhalt’s Minister-President, Reiner Haseloff, both from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), have urged the federal government to lower the electricity tax for private households. In contrast, Rhineland-Palatinate’s Prime Minister, Alexander Schweitzer, from the Social Democratic Party (SPD), defended the government’s plans.
Wegner, in an interview with the Tagesspiegel, emphasized the need to alleviate the energy costs for the middle class and private individuals, as the energy costs have risen significantly for all people. “Here, the federal government must urgently improve” he said. Haseloff, in a similar statement, advocated for a reduction of the electricity tax to the European minimum, as agreed upon in the coalition agreement and emphasized the importance of economic growth. “The economy must be relieved and the economy is more than just industry” he said.
Schweitzer, on the other hand, called for the CDU, Christian Social Union (CSU) and SPD to maintain the government’s proposal, stating that it is a joint suggestion and would likely be supported by all parties. He argued that the energy costs are high and unaffordable for many and the government’s measures aim to alleviate the burden on both private individuals and companies. As a strong industrial state’s prime minister, he had fought for a stronger reduction of the electricity tax for the energy-intensive industry to ensure its competitiveness on the international market and the preservation of jobs.
Earlier, the Prime Ministers of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst and Brandenburg, Dietmar Woidke, had also advocated for a stronger reduction of the electricity prices.