A task force formed by the Union (CDU/CSU) and the SPD to tackle high fuel prices will now also focus on the rising cost of food caused by the Middle East conflict.
Deputy chair of the SPD parliamentary group, Esra Limbacher, told the “Rheinische Post” on Saturday that “day after day it becomes clearer that the war in Iran will not end quickly. Rising prices for fertilizer and transport threaten to push up food prices as the next phase unfolds”.
She said the coalition’s task force will consult on “inflation‑stopping measures” next week. Among the proposals she wants to bring forward are an emergency support program for domestic fertilizer producers and tax relief in the food sector. “Inflation is a poison for people on ordinary incomes and for our economy. We need to protect our population” she emphasized.
Limbacher, who is responsible for agriculture and food, warned that without political intervention, “life will become noticeably more expensive for many people”.