Christmas market usury: Left calls for price caps for mulled wine

In view of overpriced food prices at Christmas markets, the Left is calling for a price cap for mulled wine. “This year, for the first time, mulled wine will be sold at Christmas markets for over seven euros – on average it now costs 4.24 euros – seven percent more than in 2023,” says a paper by Left leader Jan van Aken, which is called an “action plan”. is. “Many people can no longer afford a trip to the Christmas market.” The paper is there star before.

The Left demands a maximum price of 3.50 euros per cup of mulled wine. This is to be achieved through two measures. On the one hand, stand operators of mulled wine stands who sell the drink for less than 3.50 euros and children’s punch for less than 2.50 euros should have their stand fees halved by the municipalities. “So far, stand operators have been paying relatively high stand fees, which they of course pass on to us – politicians can take countermeasures here,” says the paper.

On the other hand, the showmen should be obliged to make their costs transparent. “Anyone who takes prices that cannot be justified by the costs will not be able to stand next year,” is the demand of the Left leadership.

According to the party’s wishes, non-profit Christmas markets should be strengthened by completely exempting them from stand fees.

It should also be prohibited to charge admission to enter Christmas markets in public places, as is the case in many large cities. “This denies many people access to important social community spaces,” says the action plan.