Mützenich reiterated the SPD’s demand for an excess profit tax, which is intended to skim off crisis profits from companies in the energy sector, for example. This is “an important tool” for the Social Democrats, emphasized the SPD parliamentary group leader. FDP leader Christian Lindner, on the other hand, is skeptical about the excess profit tax and also refers to legal hurdles.
A position paper presented at the beginning of the week was unanimously approved at the meeting. In it, the Social Democrats call for relief for low and middle incomes through direct payments, a price brake for basic energy needs and a nationwide transport ticket of 49 euros per month. In addition, a six-month protection against dismissal for unpaid operating costs is being discussed for tenants.
Starting on Saturday morning, Chancellor Scholz will discuss the third relief package with the top representatives of the SPD, FDP and Greens. Mützenich left open whether he expected an agreement on Saturday. “We will negotiate well at the weekend (…) and we will take the time that is necessary.”
The previous two relief packages had a total volume of around 30 billion. These included the fuel discount, a flat-rate energy price and the nine-euro ticket.
