In view of inflation and the energy crisis, CSU boss Markus Söder is calling for an extension of the fuel discount, a state fee moratorium and further relief for local public transport. “My suggestion would be a 365-euro annual ticket for all local public transport throughout Germany,” said Söder of “Bild am Sonntag”.

“The tank discount must be extended over the entire winter. If there were also a winter housing allowance for all households, including pensioners, that would help most people noticeably.”

In addition, citizens should be relieved of state fees, said the Bavarian Prime Minister: “I think it’s right to waive all fee increases nationwide for the time of the crisis or even to reduce them.” Massive tax cuts are also urgently needed.

Söder called for flatter income tax rates and a massive reduction in VAT on electricity, petrol, heating and all food. “So not just vegetables, as the Greens want, but also meat, fish and milk,” demanded Söder. “After all, we are not a broccoli republic. The Germans should also be allowed to eat meat.”

Söder accused the red-green-yellow federal government of not having a well thought-out plan for replacing Russian gas. “Other countries report the conclusion of gas contracts with Qatar – we didn’t report anything, why only? How and when will the gas come?” Instead, there is a bidding competition from Berlin for suggestions on where people should limit themselves. “The idea of ​​accommodating the elderly and the needy in heated halls in winter is particularly absurd. Warm apartments are the central task of the federal government.”

Politicians in the traffic light government have already promised further relief for citizens. SPD faction leader Rolf Mützenich said that he expects further relief for consumers in view of the high energy prices.

Despite gloomy forecasts and the uncertain progress in the Ukraine war, Söder’s party is also demanding that the federal government use money much more economically from next year. “Comply with the debt brake from 2023, households without new debts again from 2025 and a debt ratio of less than 60 percent by 2030,” says the draft for the position paper “Courage to decide”, which the state group presented at their retreat in the Bavarian monastery Banz starting on Wednesday want to decide.

The paper is available from the German Press Agency. According to calculations by the CSU, Germany will reach a national debt ratio of 75 percent by the end of the year, compared to 69.3 percent at the end of March.