Ricarda Lang, the former federal chairwoman of Bündnis 90/The Greens, is urging the federal government to immediately provide financial relief to citizens due to the challenging economic climate. Speaking to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” Lang stated that lowering the VAT on basic foodstuffs to zero would be a sensible measure because it is something that citizens can tangibly feel in their wallets. In addition to exempting staple foods from tax, Lang called for the reintroduction of the Nine-Euro Ticket and the right to work from home to help alleviate the burden caused by high fuel prices. According to her, these measures should be financed, among other sources, by a so-called “windfall tax”. The Green politician argued that companies benefiting from the crisis, particularly oil conglomerates, should contribute more, with the collected revenue used to ease the burden on those who rely on their cars for their livelihoods. Lang also warned that the federal government has not yet fully recognized the extent of the impact of the conflict in the Middle East, criticizing its current response as too “piecemeal”.
Green Leader Demands Zero VAT on Basic Foods to Aid Struggling Citizens
