The logistics sector and the Federation of Taxpayers severely criticized the fact that the temporary reduction of the energy tax on fuels is only expected to take effect at the earliest in early May. According to “Bild” (Tuesday edition), Dirk Engelhardt, head of the Federal Association for Freight Transport, Logistics, and Waste Disposal (BGL), stated that “such an astonishingly long time period is symptomatic of the overall state of our country”. He noted that neighboring countries are now demonstrating how citizen-friendly administration operates, remarking, “today the resolution is made, and everything is implemented within a few days”.
Engelhardt pointed out that these delays could force companies into insolvency. He drew a comparison to the 2010 bailout of Greece, stating, “When saving Greece in 2010, the Bundestag compiled and passed packages worth tens of billions within just a few days. For German car and truck drivers to receive a relief of a mere 1.6 billion Euros, the Bundestag needs weeks. It is incredible. The government’s dithering is pushing more companies into bankruptcy”.
Reiner Holznagel, president of the Federation of Taxpayers, told “Bild” that while the governing coalition has finally realized that mobility must remain affordable. Nevertheless, “it is all the more bitter when people have to wait for the relief now. The frustration is completely understandable. This is sadly what slow and lamenting politics looks like. It is a pity because the chance for quick action was available” according to Holznagel. Christoph Minhoff, managing director of the food industry association, told “Bild”: “From now on, every day counts-the faster, the better”.