Given the persistent high prices for fuel and energy, the Left Party has called on the federal government to introduce a comprehensive “relief package”. Ines Schwerdtner, head of the Left Party, told the “Rheinische Post” (Friday edition) that if Merz is serious, he “must deliver now: effectively cap prices, consistently recoup the crisis profits of energy corporations, and immediately provide palpable relief in daily life with a €150 energy crisis grant and a €9 ticket”. Schwerdtner added that increased commuting allowances and lower electricity prices alone would not be enough if the costs of energy and food continue to soar.
Similarly, the German Social Welfare Association (SoVD) also demands state aid. Michaela Engelmeier, chairwoman of the SoVD, stated, “People finally need relief during high inflation, continuously rising rents, and now also exploding energy costs”. Engelmeier argued that it is unacceptable for certain companies to profit from the crisis while citizens “pay the price”. Therefore, she insisted that the introduction of a windfall tax must also be examined.
On Thursday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) signaled that the federal government had not yet reached an agreement on potential relief measures. He stated that the government would take action if prices continued to rise significantly and persistently, despite any current signs of easing.