Düsseldorf/Berlin (dpa/lnw) - The SPD and the DGB in North Rhine-Westphalia have welcomed the relief planned by the traffic light coalition in Berlin. The results of the coalition committee are good news, said SPD state leader Thomas Kutschaty on Sunday. According to his estimates, the relief of 65 billion euros will go directly to the people who are under particular pressure in view of the high price increases: low and medium incomes, pensioners and single parents, students and families. "Challenging times lie ahead of us. Germany can handle it," he said in a statement.
The German trade union federation in North Rhine-Westphalia called the planned package "a clear and substantial signal of solidarity". In the "Rheinische Post" (Monday edition), head of state Anja Weber said it was crucial that the measures reached people and companies promptly. "However, it remains largely open how the whole thing is to be financed," she criticized. And: "It's not just about paying for the burden of the crisis, it's also about investing in the future." The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia must quickly do its part to relieve the municipalities.
The traffic light coalition wants to relieve citizens in the face of sharply rising prices with a third support package worth more than 65 billion euros. Among other things, pensioners are to receive a one-off energy price lump sum of 300 euros on December 1st, students and trainees a one-time payment of 200 euros. A new local transport ticket valid throughout Germany is to be created - with a target price range of between 49 and 69 euros per month. For a certain basic consumption of electricity, a discounted price will apply in the future.
