The coalition of SPD, Greens and FDP has apparently settled their dispute over the controversial heating law. According to RTL/ntv, the new regulation should be passed before the parliamentary summer break.
The controversial heating law is to be passed by the Bundestag and Bundesrat before the parliamentary summer recess. According to information from RTL/ntv, the three party leaders of the SPD, Greens and FDP discussed this at a confidential meeting.
Green leader Omid Nouripour and FDP leader Christian Lindner in particular agreed not to allow any further delays. The reputation of the coalition was damaged enough by the violent dispute. This means that the way seems clear for the law to be finally dealt with in the Bundestag and Bundesrat by July 7th at the latest.
An FDP spokeswoman did not want to confirm the report to the German Press Agency. Negotiations are currently underway among the traffic light groups. “The substantive issues are clarified by the parliamentary groups,” she said, again emphasizing the principle of “thoroughness before speed.” At the same time, she said: “There shouldn’t be any artificial delays.”
The opposition in the Bundestag again accused the traffic light coalition of self-blockade and standstill on Wednesday. Left parliamentary group leader Dietmar Bartsch told the German Press Agency on Wednesday: “Every day it becomes clearer: Some people govern here who have little in common in terms of content and who put party interests above the country.” Union faction Vice Ulrich Lange (CSU) told the dpa: “The traffic light is a standstill coalition.”
The coalition has been struggling to reform the law for weeks. One draft envisages that from the beginning of 2024 every newly installed heating system should be operated with at least 65 percent green energy. Above all, the FDP calls for improvements.
Habeck’s plans in traffic lights disputed
Plans by Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) for a state-subsidized industrial electricity price to strengthen the international competitiveness of German companies are also controversial.
The lead motion states: “By introducing an industrial electricity price for energy-intensive processes, which is linked to the expansion of renewable energies, we want to support companies in designing climate-neutral production and secure jobs in Germany.”
It goes on to say: “After many years of standstill, we have to reestablish our prosperity at high speed: climate-neutral.” Investments must be made now. A reliable and affordable energy supply for tomorrow will be achieved by switching to 100 percent renewable sources. In addition, the expansion of wind and sun will be accelerated to a record pace. According to the federal government’s previous plans, 80 percent of the electricity in 2030 should come from renewable energies, currently it is about half.
Editor’s note: Like ntv, stern belongs to RTL Germany.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
