The Consumer Association Federal Association (VZBV) has called on the new federal government to implement a 100-day program for consumer protection upon assuming office. “The new federal government has made many promises regarding consumer protection” said Jutta Gurkmann, head of consumer policy at VZBV, on Tuesday. “In order to improve the everyday lives of people, it must urgently focus on pressing issues.”
The reduction of the electricity tax to the EU minimum as announced in the coalition agreement must now come quickly, Gurkmann said. Consumers would be directly relieved, she added. “A family in a single-family home could save almost 100 euros in energy costs per year.”
Moreover, the consumer associations are urging for clarity on the Germany Ticket. The federal government must quickly clarify the financing for the coming years, which would be in the interest of consumers and transport companies, Gurkmann explained. “The ticket is used by over 13 million people. The uncertainty about its continuation and future costs unnecessarily worries and delays the switch to public transportation.”
Gurkmann also named the annoyance of consumers over hidden contract clauses as a third priority. “Over 9,600 complaints were recorded by consumer associations in 2024 regarding telephonically imposed contracts” she said. “The federal government must quickly implement the confirmation solution for telephonically initiated contracts promised in the coalition agreement.