Hot gas prices
DGB boss talks about 100 km/h on motorways
“Those who already have plenty shouldn’t be served richly too”: Reiner Hoffmann. Photo: Wolfgang Kumm/dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
Fight high fuel prices with a speed limit? The DGB boss Reiner Hoffmann advocates reducing energy consumption: “Save every drop of petrol that we can save.”
DGB boss Reiner Hoffmann has brought up a speed limit in view of the high fuel prices.
“We could temporarily introduce a speed limit of 100 on highways and 30 in cities to reduce energy consumption,” Hoffmann told the newspapers of the Funke media group. “It is right to save every drop of gasoline that we can save.”
However, this is not yet an answer to the structural problems, he added. “We have to create energy security, and that can be achieved above all with the expansion of renewable energies.” In addition, Hoffmann spoke out in favor of targeted relief for citizens. “Those who already have plenty should not be served richly.” A tank discount, as proposed by Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP), would help the oil industry, but not commuters.
Hoffmann proposed a “mobility allowance” that was socially oriented and would replace 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.