SPD leader Miersch rules out extending fuel tax rebate, warns of Iran war oil risks
SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch has ruled out extending Germany's two-month fuel tax rebate beyond June, calling the across-the-board measure a "Gießkanne" (watering can) that is no long-term solution. In an interview with the Augsburger Allgemeine, Miersch warned that the Iran war could disrupt oil prices and supply chains, citing uncertainty over actions by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. He proposed structural tax relief targeting low- and middle-income earners as an alternative.
SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch has ruled out extending Germany's two-month fuel tax rebate beyond June, calling the across-the-board measure a "Gießkanne" (watering can) that is no long-term solution.
"Mobilität muss bezahlbar bleiben, aber die Gießkanne ist keine Dauerlösung," Miersch told the Augsburger Allgemeine. The fuel tax rebate took effect at the start of May and reduces the energy tax on petrol and diesel by 14 cents per litre. Including the VAT effect, the total tax reduction is 16.7 cents per litre.
Miersch warned that the Iran war could disrupt oil prices and supply chains. "Wir wissen nicht, was Donald Trump und Benjamin Netanjahu im Nahen Osten anrichten und welche Folgen das für den Ölpreis und die heimischen Lieferketten hat," he said. The federal government must prepare for different scenarios regarding the Iran war, Miersch added.
As an alternative to the rebate, Miersch proposed structural relief through tax reform to benefit low- and middle-income earners. He said households with small and medium incomes can apply for e-car subsidies starting Tuesday.
Miersch reiterated the SPD's demand for higher taxation of top earners. "Diejenigen, die sehr viel haben, müssen auch zur Entlastung der Mitte beitragen," he said, claiming that position is shared by a majority of CDU voters.