The Left party has strongly criticized the decision by the black-red coalition parties to stabilize the CO2 price between 55 and 65 euros per tonne of CO2 in 2027. They argue that this stabilization will consequently reduce the funds available for climate protection measures through the KTF fund.
During a press briefing to the Funke media group, Fabian Fahl, the climate policy spokesperson for The Left in the Bundestag, stated that the proposal to keep the CO2 price stable was particularly surprising to Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD), who had anticipated an increase in the price within the budget. However, Fahl added that the stabilization was not particularly surprising, given that the government is making continuous setbacks in climate policy-whether through the expansion of gas power plants, fossil fuel subsidies, or the throttling of renewable energy sources.
Fahl further emphasized that the CO2 price only functions correctly when linked to the climate money proposed recently. Since households bear the financial burden, the money must flow back to the citizens, especially because the CO2 price mechanism would otherwise lose its steering effect. He pointed out that rent payers, for instance, cannot choose their heating source and thus must pay for any additional costs.
However, Fahl critiqued the government for rejecting the Left’s motion to implement a climate money payout of 320 euros per person. He argued that this payment, alongside the already requested energy crisis fund of an additional 150 euros, would provide substantial relief to the citizens. The government’s stated reason for rejection was a lack of funds, yet Fahl questioned this, noting that money is available for the fuel discount, much of which flows to fossil corporations and does not fully reach the individuals. According to The Left, the government clearly remains indifferent to both climate protection and the financial struggles of the people, a sentiment they observed was reaffirmed at the recent coalition meeting.