Bundespolitik: Wüst zum Bundesratspräsidenten gewählt

In a coalition dispute over the future of internal combustion engines, the SPD has offered a concession to the Chancellor's office, proposing to reduce the CO₂ reduction target for new cars from 100 to 95 percent by 2035. Environment Minister Carsten Schneider and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, both from the SPD, have suggested that five percent of emissions could be offset by using green and recycled steel in Europe. However, the ministers firmly reject any further concessions below 90 percent.

Their agreement is contingent on industrial demands, including the government acting as a "lead buyer" for climate-friendly products and creating lead markets. Specifically, they support providing funds for Deutsche Bahn to procure green steel and increasing the quota of green steel to over 25 percent in public tenders. The compromise offer aims to facilitate an agreement with the French government, acknowledging the challenging situation of the German automotive industry and striving to combine future-proof jobs with climate protection.

The estimated average additional contribution for the year 2027, based on the GKV's expenditure and revenue estimate, stands at 2.9 percent of the gross salary. However, the actual average additional contribution rate currently stands at approximately 3.1 percent, according to GKV data.