Electricity tax: States and the opposition are pushing for a reduction for everyone

There is criticism from the states and the opposition of the Finance Ministry's hesitant stance on reducing electricity taxes for everyone. According to the latest estimates, tax revenues are rising more than expected. But Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) urges caution. The higher growth does not initially lead to new leeway, he emphasized. “We will have to continue consolidating.”

The Greens consider this to be an “excuse.” As long as the federal government has money for fuel discounts, energy policy spokesman Michael Kellner told the AFP news agency, the government can reduce electricity taxes.

A reduction in electricity tax has so far only been available for certain economic sectors. Changing this is part of the coalition agreement of the black-red coalition and the wish of the Prime Minister's Conference (MPK). Their decision on Thursday states that despite the relief measures, energy prices are too high in international comparison. "The heads of government of the federal states are therefore calling on the federal government to use financial leeway in the budget as quickly as possible to reduce electricity taxes for everyone."

Hesse's Prime Minister Boris Rhein (CDU) is also calling for clearer commitments. The CDU state leader told the “Kölner-Stadtanzeiger”: “This is firmly agreed in the coalition agreement and the federal government must now stand by it. People need noticeable relief from their electricity costs, and they need it now.”

Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig (SPD) from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania also called the reduction “urgently necessary.”

“We are of course sticking to the goal,” emphasized Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU). We are in talks with the Ministry of Finance.

There, too, they continue to commit to the goal of relief, but do not want to give a date. The project, like all projects, is subject to funding restrictions, said deputy government spokesman Steffen Meyer. “Anyone who now makes suggestions, such as reducing the electricity tax, should also come up with suggestions as to how the whole thing can be financed,” says the Vice Chancellor.