The FDP boss is also in favor of abolishing the EEG surcharge before 2023.
(Photo: dpa)
Berlin In view of rising energy prices, Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner is considering abolishing the EEG surcharge in the summer. “If the coalition agrees on this, then I would make it financially possible for the EEG surcharge to be dropped in the middle of the year,” said the FDP chairman in the “Spiegel” interview. “That would be billions in relief for families, pensioners, recipients of student loans or basic security and medium-sized businesses and crafts.”
According to the previous plans of the traffic lights from the SPD, Greens and FDP, the EEG levy on the electricity bill is to be abolished on January 1, 2023. The levy to promote green electricity under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) will then be financed from the federal budget. Recently, however, the voices for an earlier end increased.
“In view of the increased prices, I think an earlier abolition is necessary,” said Lindner. The goal is shared across parties. With a view to rising energy prices, he said: “We have a situation of shortages, especially for gas, which is what drives inflation in Germany in particular. I think it is necessary for us to organize short-term relief.”
After the surprising stop in funding for energy-efficient new buildings, Lindner is also looking for a way out for private house builders and families. The federal loan institute for reconstruction (KfW) had recently declared, following instructions from the federal government, that it would no longer approve the applications.
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“The majority of the approximately 24,000 applications come from companies. According to my information, there are a good 4000 families and private individuals. We won’t let them down,” said the Federal Minister of Finance. “On the contrary, it is my goal that the dream of owning your own four walls can become a reality for more people.” If the coalition agrees on this, “then I will make it possible for there to be further funding”. Solutions must be found for the future.
FDP boss Lindner explains “free-rider effects” in the funding
Lindner defended the funding stop. “There were some deadweight effects. In the market economy, it is not possible or sensible in the long term to pay billions of euros in subsidies to companies.”
The minister continued: “In January, I had approved five billion euros in the course of the provisional budget management. These funds have been exhausted. We have already agreed that other subsidies, such as for electromobility, will be degressive in a plannable manner in order to prevent such situations.” His promise was that he would make sure that taxpayers’ money was used carefully. “I stick to that.”
Lindner added that he thinks it is right that the energy-related refurbishment of buildings should continue to be promoted. “Here, the effect per euro is efficient for the climate. There will be new programs for this. However, it is not possible for politicians to keep pushing new construction standards higher and then subsidize the rising costs from the state coffers. Families from the middle of society must have their own house within reach. That’s why a kind of construction cost inspection is advisable.”
More: That means the KfW shock for consumers and real estate prices