Digital politician and former CDU parliamentary group leader Ralph Brinkhaus advocated for the establishment of a direct state disbursement mechanism for emergencies, citing the current energy price crisis. Speaking to “Tagesspiegel Background” (Tuesday edition), Brinkhaus stated that it is a disappointment that Germany has yet to utilize such a channel. He argued that a targeted direct payout method is necessary to assist people in a crisis, rather than applying a general, indiscriminate approach.
Brinkhaus also expressed disappointment regarding the lack of a per-capita climate allowance. While acknowledging that such a measure would benefit everyone, he stated that it is a matter of fairness to return, at least in part, the increased burden faced by citizens due to higher CO2 prices.
Regarding the current energy situation, he felt that insufficient lessons were being learned from the past energy crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “When a crisis occurs in one world region, it hits us too hard. Therefore, it is vital that we reduce our dependency on oil and gas imports” Brinkhaus emphasized.
On the criticism that Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche (CDU) is pursuing an “all-fossile” course with her energy legislation, Brinkhaus suggested a softer approach. He opined that, despite everything Katherina Reiche does well, the issue of “renewables and energy efficiency” would be easier if it were framed more positively.
Finally, Brinkhaus rejected proposals to make concessions, such as adjustments to the emissions trading system, echoing parts of the CDU/CSU demands. He insisted that the ETS-2 for buildings and transport must be maintained. According to him, the current discussion is heading in the wrong direction, as businesses have already invested in both emissions trading systems-for industry (ETS-1) and for buildings and transport (ETS-2)-and therefore require planning stability.