Dresden (dpa/sn) - The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) in Saxony has demanded a cap on energy prices. DGB boss Markus Schlimbach also called for a third relief package from the federal government on Tuesday in Dresden, especially for people with low incomes. "The rising food and energy prices are a burden for many people. In Saxony, many people find themselves in financial difficulties because incomes are lower than in other federal states." The relief must also apply to pensioners, students and the unemployed.
"We propose an energy price cap for private households. A basic requirement for electricity and gas is set for every adult and every child. There should be a price guarantee for this amount. He or she has to pay more for energy that someone uses in excess of this," Schlimbach explained the ideas. This could relieve households with lower incomes in particular and at the same time give an incentive to save energy.
Another demand of the DGB related to the so-called excess profit tax. "Some companies are taking advantage of the crisis to make additional profits at the expense of consumers. These crisis profits must be skimmed off with an excess profit tax." The possible income can be used for further relief in favor of the general public.
