Green Party Proposes EUR1,000 Annual Relief Through Lower Energy Costs and Tax Cuts
As the election season heats up, the Green Party, led by Chancellor candidate Robert Habeck, is proposing significant financial relief for families in Germany. According to a recent policy document, the party aims to provide an annual relief of approximately EUR1,000 for households by lowering energy costs, enhancing mobility options, and implementing tax reductions.
The Greens emphasize their commitment to clean energy, stating that the expansion of renewable energy sources has made electricity cleaner. They plan to further reduce costs by largely eliminating electricity taxes and grid fees. A typical four-person household could potentially save around EUR400 annually due to these changes.
In addition to electricity savings, the Green Party is also advocating for the continuation of the Germany Ticket at a price of EUR49. This initiative would enable families to save an additional EUR430 per year on transportation costs, with children and teenagers under the age of 16 allowed to travel for free.
Furthermore, the party proposes an increase in the employee flat-rate deduction in income tax returns from EUR1,230 to EUR1,500. This adjustment is expected to benefit more than half of all employees by allowing them to keep more of their earnings.
Franziska Brantner, the party's co-leader, expressed the Greens' commitment to making life more affordable and simpler for all citizens in Germany. Other proposed measures include raising child benefits, with the minimum amount increasing from EUR300 to EUR400 and the maximum from EUR1,800 to EUR2,400. Additionally, apprentices could receive a financial boost of EUR1,000 towards their driving license, provided that their employers contribute EUR500 towards the costs.
The Green Party is also in favor of extending the rent control measures, which are set to expire in 2025, and supports a socially tiered climate compensation scheme designed to assist low- and middle-income individuals.
In parallel, the Green Party has critiqued the CDU's 2030 agenda, which also promises substantial tax reductions following the election. The CDU plans to lower electricity costs by reducing electricity taxes and grid charges by at least five cents per kilowatt-hour.
According to a recent survey, only 26% of respondents view a potential coalition between the CDU and the Greens positively, with 64% expressing opposition. However, the data reveals a stark contrast among Green Party supporters, 72% of whom favor such a partnership, while only 29% of CDU supporters share the sentiment.
