Schweitzer warns: Electricity tax reduction only for a few, no relief for households!

Schweitzer warns: Electricity tax reduction only for a few, no relief for households!

As part of the ongoing political debate about electricity tax, the deputy federal chairman of the SPD, Alexander Schweitzer, is calling for a comprehensive reduction in electricity tax for all citizens. He sharply criticizes the federal government for the inadequate implementation of the coalition agreement, which stipulates a reduction of at least five cents per kilowatt hour. So far, the coalition committee has decided to only reduce taxes for some companies, which for Schweitzer is a sign that not everyone is being considered. The critics are calling for this decision to be adjusted in order to ensure a fair burden on all households. ZDF today reports that the conflict between the CSU and CDU is described as a “permanent fight between brothers”.

The CSU boss Markus Söder has convinced CDU boss Friedrich Merz to introduce the mother's pension early. This measure puts an additional burden on the budget, as both the introduction of the mother's pension and the reduction in electricity tax would each cost five billion euros. While Schweitzer supports the mother's pension, he criticizes the coalition's prioritization and the fact that it opposes the reduction in electricity taxes. For the German economy and especially for private households, the lack of a reduction in electricity tax means a financial burden and possible investment restrictions.

Political reactions and resistance

The criticism of the restriction of the electricity tax reduction comes not only from the SPD, but also from the ranks of the CDU. Schleswig-Holstein's Prime Minister Daniel Günther expresses concerns about prioritization within the coalition. He expects comprehensive relief for private households, but sees the current situation as a “deduction in the B grade” and regrets the lack of agreement. Hendrik Wüst, Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, also describes the lack of reduction for everyone as a breach of word, which further increases dissatisfaction within the coalition. daily news highlights the fact that business associations, such as the German Trade Association and the BGA, are calling on Chancellor Friedrich Merz to keep the promises made regarding a broad electricity tax reduction.

Another point on the political agenda is the planned introduction of the mother's pension, which is to be regulated uniformly for all mothers from 2027. However, this project remains a controversial topic in the discussion about the electricity tax. Both retail and wholesale associations see the current regulation as having a negative impact on companies' ability to finance and willingness to invest.