After CDU crisis retreat, Merz pledges to cut electricity tax to EU minimum for all
Following a CDU leadership retreat, Chancellor Merz said Germany will cut the electricity tax for all consumers to the EU minimum, adding that his party must work its way out of a crisis of trust.
Archive image · Photo: European Union / Wikimedia Commons, Attribution (cropped and resized)
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday the government would cut the electricity tax for all consumers to the European minimum, using room in the federal budget, as his Christian Democrats wrapped up a two-day crisis retreat in Berlin. The cut had been planned for 2025 but was shelved for lack of funds; so far only parts of industry benefit from the lower rate. Merz gave no specific date.
"We have to work our way out of a low point and a crisis of trust. We are adjusting course and are ready to change," Merz said, naming affordability, justice and security as voters' top concerns. The CDU plans a conference of district chairs in early November and a series of member and regional meetings next year.
The retreat followed heavy CDU losses in three state elections in September. Asked about the resignation of Labour Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD), Merz said he had urged "Christian consideration" within his party. Responding to SPD state premier Manuela Schwesig, who called CDU attacks on Bas "inhumane", he said SPD officials "must decide for themselves what language they use".