Critics slam insufficient electricity rate relief in 2026, voiced by consumer activists
In a recent statement, Ramona Pop, President of the Federation of Consumer Organizations (VZBV), has criticized the 2026 draft budget, highlighting its failure to provide relief for consumers facing rising electricity costs.
Pop emphasized that the government, elected to make politics for everyone and address future questions, must act on climate goals while providing relief for consumers in electricity costs. She described the lack of relief in electricity costs as a "bitter disappointment" and a wrong direction.
Pop's appeal was directed towards the Bundestag in relation to the draft budget and future financial planning. She pointed out that high electricity costs hinder further electrification and investment in sustainable heating or mobility. Affordable electricity, Pop stated, is crucial for the further electrification of heating and mobility towards sustainable solutions.
Pop's criticism follows the VZBV President's earlier calls for relief due to rising living costs for years. The VZBV President's call for improvement was also directed towards the Bundestag in relation to the draft budget.
The VZBV considers the draft as insufficient or "window dressing" that does not address the pressing issue of electricity affordability for consumers. The government, according to the budget plan, does not foresee any relief in electricity prices.
Pop argued that the government's focus on increasing the commuter allowance and expanding the mother's pension while braking on electricity prices serves individual interest groups rather than all consumers. She called for improvements in the budget to build trust in politics and show the people that the government understands their struggles.
The government has decided on other measures such as increasing the commuter allowance and expanding the mother's pension. However, Pop stated that these measures are not acceptable in light of the rising cost of living.
In the "New Osnabrücker Zeitung" (Thursday edition), Pop called for improvements by the Bundestag regarding the draft budget. She emphasized that the government must act on climate goals while providing relief for consumers in electricity costs to ensure a sustainable future for all.
The VZBV President, Ramona Pop, demands improvements in the draft budget from the Bundestag, as the current plan does not foresee any relief for consumers facing rising electricity costs. This lack of relief and the focus on individual interest groups, such as increasing the commuter allowance and expanding the mother's pension, is a bitter disappointment and a wrong direction, according to Pop. The government's failure to address affordable electricity for consumers, crucial for the electrification of heating and mobility towards sustainable solutions, raises concerns in the realm of business, finance, and general-news politics.
