Kretschmer calls for Germany's climate targets to be adjusted

Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) is calling for climate targets to be adjusted in light of the current situation. "It is enough for Germany to be climate-neutral by 2050," he said in an interview with Wirtschaftswoche. "Energy security and prices are key, especially if we want to get back on track for growth." Germany wants to become climate-neutral by 2045, for which the emission of climate-damaging CO2 must fall significantly.

Kretschmer is skeptical about the German government's plans to reduce the electricity tax. The Federal Republic has a need for funding in the social security systems, security, education and culture, which is borne by taxes and levies. "If taxes are reduced, it will cost us financial strength." Such a reduction could perhaps work temporarily, "but it is not a permanent solution".

According to Kretschmer, we should start with the costs incurred. "Speed often affects prices, but we always want to be the first to achieve all climate targets." A "hasty lignite phase-out before 2038" is just one example of this.