Habeck answered the criticism of the opposition with clear words.
(Photo: IMAGO/Political Moments)
Berlin Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck responded to the Union’s harsh criticism of him with a counterattack. The “sound of lack of self-criticism” that emerged in the general debate the day before requires an answer, said the Green politician on Thursday in the Bundestag during the debate on his ministry’s budget. He also announced comprehensive help for German companies.
CDU leader Friedrich Merz had previously described Habeck’s plan to send two of the last three nuclear power plants to a reserve in the coming year as “madness”. Habeck countered: “Dear Mr. Merz, the Union has ruled this country and many federal states for sixteen years. Sixteen years of energy policy failure. And in a few months we will clean up what they screwed up, prevented and destroyed in sixteen years.”
The traffic light government made up of SPD, Greens and FDP held a clear course from day one and pushed ahead with the expansion of renewable energies and energy efficiency while fighting the crisis at the same time. Habeck accused the Union of “opposition jingle and would-be economic policy”.
The Economics Minister then promised German companies comprehensive help in the energy crisis: “We will open a broad rescue package”. He particularly focuses on small and medium-sized companies. For this, the energy cost containment program for the industry will also be opened up to these companies.
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The criterion of trade-relatedness, such as competition with foreign companies, should be dropped. However, the energy cost share of the product or sales will also apply here. The program will be limited in time. “We will protect German companies.”
Robert Habeck supports the EU plans
In October, a gas-for-money program will also be launched for companies. Anyone who reduces consumption will be compensated financially.
>> Read also: Is Friedrich Merz the hunter in the Bundestag – the hunted in his party?
Habeck called the EU plans for an electricity price brake as essentially in line with German ideas. It is intended to dampen the price for the budget. You also have to do something about the gas price, but that is more complicated.
But the most important thing is to stop price manipulation by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The EU energy ministers will discuss on Friday.
More: Nuclear power plant reserve, gas levy, TV appearance – how the failed decisions accumulate at Habeck