Dhe Green Party chairwoman Ricarda Lang considers a follow-up offer for the nine-euro ticket in local public transport possible. “We are now investigating whether people are really switching from the car to the train because of the ticket. If that’s the case, we absolutely have to talk in the coalition about how we can build on this success,” Lang told the “Bild am Sonntag”.
The nine-euro ticket is “a huge success” and the sales figures speak for themselves. However, Lang rejects an extension of the tank discount introduced at the beginning of June in parallel with the nine-euro ticket. “The fuel discount is limited to three months, and it should stay that way.” There are “smarter measures” to support commuters.
In addition, the Green leader announced another relief package for the fall and winter. The increased gas and electricity prices have not yet fully reached the people. However, that will change by autumn and winter. “We’re talking about what further relief we need to bring on the way.”
The future relief would have to be even more targeted and grants would have to be graded socially. In addition, the Hartz IV rate, as already proposed by Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil, should be increased by around 50 euros.
Social benefits before the debt brake
Of secondary importance for Lang is whether the debt brake can be complied with again in 2023. “One thing is clear for us Greens: We will not save on social issues. Not because of citizen income, not because of basic child security, not because of the necessary relief for poorer households.” If you save on social spending, even more people may slide into poverty and lose trust in the state. “This is jeopardizing the foundations of our democracy.”
Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) insists that the federal government once again comply with the debt brake suspended in the corona pandemic. The debt brake enshrined in the Basic Law only allows for minimal borrowing. In recent years it has been suspended due to the high burden of the corona pandemic and the Ukraine war. The recently approved federal budget for 2022 provides for new borrowing of almost 139 billion euros. Lindner intends to present the draft budget for 2023 shortly.
