Status: 03/20/2022 04:26 am
With his proposal for a tank discount, Finance Minister Lindner caused dissatisfaction in the coalition. SPD leader Klingbeil also rejects the idea. It is not necessary to subsidize high earners. You have to relieve socially just.
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil rejects the proposal by Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) to grant drivers a state fuel discount in view of the high fuel prices. “It is important that we don’t pour out the money with the watering can, but specifically relieve those with small and medium-sized incomes, because they are now most affected,” said Klingbeil of the “Bild am Sonntag”.
A week ago, Lindner had proposed to relieve all drivers directly at the gas station with a state fuel subsidy. He wants to reduce the fuel price to under two euros per liter of diesel or petrol. The coalition partners SPD and Greens have criticized the initiative as not coordinated. In addition, such a step would not benefit those on lower incomes in particular, who suffered particularly from the explosion in prices at gas stations.
Klingbeil now made it clear that he sees no reason to subsidize high earners in their energy expenditure: “A politician like me can fill up for 2.30 euros, the state doesn’t have to help him. But my neighbor, who commutes to Hamburg as a nurse, needs it support now,” said the SPD leader. You have to relieve socially just and targeted. “And not only with the fuel prices, but also with electricity and heating costs.”
Merz calls for tax cuts
CDU leader Friedrich Merz called on Finance Minister Lindner to better reduce taxes on petrol and diesel. “I have to say I’m somewhat surprised, to say the least, that this is coming from the FDP of all people,” he told the “Tagesspiegel” with a view to the proposed tank discount.
Merz warned of the high deadweight effects for the oil companies and refineries if the state reimbursed a flat rate per liter. The antitrust authorities are already investigating whether the prices are deliberately so high in order to increase their own profits, even though the price of oil has recently fallen. “The idea is clearly based on the will to do everything except what the Union has proposed,” said the CDU leader about Lindner’s plan. “Our way is much simpler: reduce the energy tax and the sales tax on diesel and petrol from 19 to 7 percent. That would be unbureaucratic, quick and good help for everyone.”
Also DGB boss against tank discount
DGB boss Reiner Hoffmann also spoke out against a tank discount. A tank discount, as proposed by Finance Minister Lindner, would help the petroleum industry, but not commuters.
Hoffmann proposed a “mobility allowance” that is socially oriented and replaces the commuter allowance. In addition, he demanded subsidies for heating costs that went well beyond what had been agreed, and a temporary reduction in VAT on gas and electricity. For financing, the DGB chairman called for massive tax increases for the rich. “We need more justice in our tax system – whether it’s inheritance tax, wealth tax, income tax or capital gains tax,” he said.
In addition, Hoffmann suggested a burden sharing like after the Second World War. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine is creating a completely new situation in which there should be no ban on thinking. “Therefore, one should also think about a property levy, as with the equalization of burdens.” In 1952, all assets over 5,000 Deutschmarks were subject to a 50 percent levy – albeit staggered over 30 years.
Ampel is apparently working on mobility money
According to a report, the traffic light coalition is already advising on a “mobility allowance” for small and medium incomes. This is reported by the “Bild am Sonntag” with reference to negotiation circles. It is an initiative by Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD). According to the report, the mobility allowance should be transferred with the regular monthly salary. Employers should get the sum back from the state by paying correspondingly less income tax.
According to the report, the traffic light is currently struggling for the possible amount and salary levels. One possibility is therefore: If you earn up to 2000 euros, you get 50 euros. With a salary of 2001 to 3000 euros there could be 35 euros, with earnings of 3001 to 4000 euros 20 euros. According to “BamS”, this would cost the state one billion euros per month. The mobility premium could be paid out for at least three months, so top earners would get nothing.