Erfurt (dpa/th) - The parliamentary groups of the Left, SPD, Greens and CDU have agreed to set up a special fund to deal with the energy crisis. According to unanimous information from CDU parliamentary group leader Mario Voigt and Left Party parliamentary group leader Steffen Dittes on Wednesday, a total of 407 million euros from state funds are to be added to the special fund this year. The money is intended to help companies, associations and private households, among others. 350 million euros of this sum are to be taken from the state's reserve.
Voigt said that with this special fund, the country would help those "who are up to their necks in water". "On the basis of a CDU proposal, we are able to act." Dittes said it was important for his group to find a balance between supporting people, municipalities, clubs and companies.
The aid had been disputed for weeks. Formally, the special fund must be decided on Friday during a state parliament session.
