Hesse Minister-President Boris Rhein (CDU) suggested that the €1,000 relief premium planned by the federal government could completely fall through. Speaking to RTL and ntv on Friday, Rhein said that, at the moment, the outcome is uncertain, noting that he did not know if the government would invoke the mediation committee. He emphasized that it was entirely possible the premium would never materialize.
This comments came after the Bundesrat had already halted the proposed tax and levy-free €1,000 relief payment for employees. Rhein openly criticized the relief measure, telling RTL and ntv that he found it fundamentally incorrect. While acknowledging that the current ruling coalition behind the premium was well-intentioned, the CDU politician argued that the payment would not be helpful given the current economic conditions; in fact, it could worsen them. “We are facing a veritable economic crisis, and such a premium could become an additional burden on the economy” Rhein stated, adding his opinion that it was regrettable to ask “of the German economy” under these circumstances.