Greenpeace has criticized the German government for introducing environmentally harmful subsidies totaling €11 billion. These subsidies include a fuel discount, a commuter allowance, an aviation ticket tax break, and cheaper agricultural diesel.
The environmental organization argues that these create perverse incentives and waste financial leeway needed for essential future investments. Greenpeace spokesperson Lena Donat described the government’s budget policy as “headless and directionless.”
The criticism comes just before a planned top-level coalition meeting, where a major reform package is to be adopted. The reduction of subsidies could also be on the agenda to help finance planned reforms aimed at relieving small and medium incomes.
Source: www.zeit.de
