Bundespolitik: Linke mit Eilantrag gegen Ministerin Reiche beim Bundesverfassungsgericht erfolgreich

The Left Party (Die Linke) has successfully lodged an urgent request against Environment Minister Reiche at the Federal Constitutional Court in a matter related to the future of the combustion engine. In a letter dated Wednesday, sent to Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU, Environment Minister Carsten Schneider and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, both from the SPD, proposed reducing the CO₂ reduction target for new vehicles from the current 100% to 95%.

They also suggested that five additional percentage points of emissions could be offset if green and recycled steel were used instead, in exchange for a binding requirement. However, the ministers firmly rejected further concessions below 90%. Their consent is contingent on industrial policy demands, advocating for the state to act as a "lead purchaser" of climate-friendly products and create lead markets.

They welcome the provision of funds to the Deutsche Bahn to procure green steel and request an increasing quota of over 25% green steel in public tenders. This compromise is expected to facilitate an agreement with the French government, acknowledging the "difficult situation of the German automobile industry" and the goal of linking "future-proof jobs with climate protection".

The Schätzerverband of the GKV (Germany's public health insurance scheme) recommended this level based on its 2027 expenditure and revenue forecast. However, the actual contribution amount is determined individually by each Krankenkasse (health insurance company). The contribution, in addition to the regular 14.6% premium rate, amounts to a half of the total 17.5% workers and employers pay to Krankenkassen.