Energy prices: Critics warn Merz of breaking the trust in the case of electricity tax

The HDE trade association and consumer protection officer warned Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) in terms of electricity tax before breaking a coalition promise. In a letter to Merz available to the German Press Agency, the announcement by Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) to reduce electricity tax for the manufacturing trade is a “fatal signal” and a severe breach of trust in millions of citizens in Germany.

The CDU, CSU and SPD have announced in the coalition agreement to reduce electricity tax for everyone – and thus also relieve private households. Nothing should become of this. The cabinet has decided that lowering electricity tax for industry, agriculture and forestry will be stabilized. A spokesman for Klingbeil referred to household constraints. Private households are to be relieved of the gas storage levy and the network charges.

Writing: Coalition must not let private households go

In the letter from the Federal Association of Consumer Center and the German Commercial Association to Merz, it says that the coalition should not let private households go. “Energy costs are and remain one of the greatest financial burdens for many people. The electricity bill significantly reduces the available income and is narrowing the financial scope for daily needs and for important purchases.”

Since the trade and other service industries should also be excluded from relief, a double burden is created for consumers, it is said. “The high energy costs of the companies inevitably flow into the final prices of goods and services. Citizens not only continue to pay too much for their budgetary current, but also at the cash register.” Merz should implement the reduction in electricity tax to the European minimum size for everyone. “Anything else would be an affront to consumers and economically short -sighted.”