SPD leader Lars Klingbeil rejects the proposal by Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) to grant drivers a state fuel discount in view of the high fuel prices.

"It is important that we don't pour out the money with the watering can, but instead specifically relieve those with small and medium-sized incomes, because they are now most affected," said Klingbeil of the "Bild am Sonntag".

A week ago, Lindner had proposed to relieve all drivers directly at the gas station with a state fuel subsidy.

He wants to reduce the fuel price to under two euros per liter of diesel or petrol.

The coalition partners SPD and Greens have criticized the initiative as not coordinated.

In addition, such a step would not particularly benefit those on lower incomes, who suffered particularly from the price explosion at gas stations.

Klingbeil against support for high earners

Klingbeil also made it clear that he sees no reason to subsidize high earners in their energy expenditure: "A politician like me can fill up for 2.30 euros, the state doesn't have to help him.

But my neighbor, who commutes to Hamburg as a nurse, needs support now," said the SPD leader.

You have to relieve socially just and targeted.

"And not just in terms of fuel prices, but also in terms of electricity and heating costs."

CDU leader Friedrich Merz called on Finance Minister Lindner to better reduce taxes on petrol and diesel.

"I have to say I'm somewhat surprised, to say the least, that this is coming from the FDP of all people," he told the Tagesspiegel on Sunday, referring to the proposed tank discount.

Merz warned of the high deadweight effects for oil companies and refineries if the state reimbursed a flat rate per liter.

The antitrust authorities are already investigating whether the prices are deliberately so high in order to increase their own profits, even though the price of oil has recently fallen.

"The idea is clearly based on the will to do everything except what the Union has proposed," said the CDU leader about Lindner's plan.

"Our way is much simpler: lower the energy tax and the sales tax on diesel and petrol from 19 to 7 percent.

That would be unbureaucratic, quick and good help for everyone.”

Heil brings mobility money into the conversation

According to "Bild am Sonntag", the traffic light coalition is now advising on the proposal for a mobility allowance.

It provides for a staggered relief according to income, as reported by "Bild am Sonntag", citing negotiating circles.

It is an initiative by Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD).

According to the report, the mobility allowance should be transferred with the regular monthly salary.

Employers should get the sum back from the state by paying correspondingly less income tax.

According to “Bild am Sonntag”, the traffic light is currently struggling over the possible amount and salary levels.

One possibility is therefore: If you earn up to 2000 euros, you get 50 euros.

With a salary of 2001 to 3000 euros there could be 35 euros, with earnings of 3001 to 4000 euros 20 euros.

According to BamS, this would cost the state one billion euros per month.

The mobility premium could be paid out for at least three months, so top earners would get nothing.

According to the report, it is unclear whether the FDP supports the model in principle.

In his own words, SPD leader Klingbeil expects an agreement to be reached “in the coming week at the latest”.