Dresden (dpa/sn) - In view of the sharp rise in energy prices, the Saxon Crafts Day has called for coherent crisis management by politicians. You want clear and binding statements, said President Jörg Dittrich on Wednesday. "From a tax perspective, everything that is possible should now be checked and pushed quickly." Even without a surcharge, gas prices would skyrocket by 400 to 500 percent.
"Many micro and small entrepreneurs from the trades and medium-sized businesses are extremely worried about what the state intends to do to relieve them in the face of escalating cost explosions. It is becoming increasingly difficult for energy-intensive companies in particular to earn money," emphasized Dittrich. Because higher prices for products and services can hardly be passed on to customers in times of high inflation.
If an EU directive prohibits a short-term complete exemption from VAT for the gas surcharge, but allows a minimum rate of five percent, that should also be decided. "In general, what speaks against a general reduction in VAT for gas and electricity in Germany in these times?"
Dittrich welcomed the Saxon government's considerations of setting up a hardship fund. Action must be taken quickly. "Electricity and gas must remain affordable in Germany in the future."
