Ahead of the coalition committee meeting scheduled for Sunday, Sachsen-Anhalt’s Minister-President, Sven Schulze (CDU), urged the federal government to make swift decisions regarding measures to address the high fuel prices. Speaking to the “Tagesspiegel” (Saturday edition), Schulze stated, “We need tangible relief that quickly reaches consumers and businesses that rely on their vehicles”. He added that even if a permanent peace were achieved in the Middle East, prices would take a long time to return to a manageable level.
The Magdeburg regional leader criticized the Federal Cartel Office for failing to take sufficient action, arguing that “ripping off customers at gas stations continues-despite stricter rules”. He questioned the utility of a body that does not enforce its regulations.
Furthermore, Schulze’s call for greater action contrasted with the recent statements from CDU party chairman and former chancellor Friedrich Merz, who had previously mentioned an ongoing “deliberation process” extending “into the coming days and weeks”. While Schulze acknowledged that “it is understandable that the federal government is initially debating the right way forward amidst the energy price crisis” he stressed that prolonged public disagreement could no longer undermine public confidence. “The time for discussions is limited” he remarked, suggesting that arguments must eventually translate into decisions.
According to Schulze, the nation could not afford a protracted period of uncertainty, which, in his view, should last at most a few more days. He expects that by the coalition committee meeting on Sunday, and the party sessions involving the states on Monday, the federal government will present a unified front and set a clear course.