Economist Veronika Grimm suggested a nationwide speed limit in light of the energy crisis. “It wouldn’t cause harm-perhaps it would even serve as a prudent signal, prompting people to take the situation seriously” she said, noting that she also sits on the supervisory board of Siemens Energy. Her comments were published in the “Rheinische Post” on Friday.
Grimm highlighted that many countries in the global south have already introduced sharp measures such as mandatory work‑from‑home policies and restrictions on vehicle use. “The more we consume, the greater the impact on those nations” she explained.
She voiced little support for other German initiatives. “The government should let price mechanisms work so that energy demand falls. Fuel discounts and price caps distort the market-they’re the wrong approach”. She also rejected the so‑called “surplus‑profit tax”.
Regarding the newly introduced regulation on gas stations, Grimm referred to the “12‑O’clock rule” as probably the least problematic measure. “Everything is political: people expect to see action, so they do something”.