Monika Schnitzer: Die Koalition verteilt mit viel Empathie Beruhigungspillen
Mit Tankrabatten und Energiehilfen will die Politik Bürger entlasten. Tatsächlich verteilt sie nur Verluste und macht aus jeder Krise einen neuen Anspruch an den Staat. Ein Gastbeitrag.
The German government is perceived as excessive, expensive, and too intrusive, a sentiment that has become a common refrain in political discourse. Yet, it is precisely this very government that is now facing a surge in demands, especially during times of personal financial hardship. When fuel prices rise, the government is expected to provide relief.
Should gas prices remain high during the upcoming heating season, the next call for state support is expected to be immediate. Politics played a role in creating these expectations. This year alone, the energy tax on gasoline and diesel was reduced for two months, costing around 1.6 billion euros. In October to December, a similar relief measure is set to provide around 2.5 billion euros in relief.
The federal government already relieves households and businesses with billions in gas and electricity costs. Of course, the state must be capable of acting in crises. This is the promise of the welfare state: when faced with an external shock that puts one in existential peril, individuals can rely on the community to provide support. However, the problem arises when every loss of prosperity becomes a claim for compensation.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
