AfD Faction Plans to Abolish CO2 Pricing
Berlin, November 7, 2024 – The parliamentary group of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the Bundestag plans to abolish the CO2 pricing introduced by the federal government. A corresponding motion was submitted to the parliament on Tuesday.
Criticism of Climate Policy
The AfD criticizes the government’s climate policy as ineffective and economically harmful. The CO2 pricing, which is aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, is seen as a “punishment tax” that would particularly burden low-income households and businesses.
“The climate policy of the federal government is based on wishful thinking and ideology,” said AfD member of parliament Beatrix von Storch. “It is time to put an end to this madness and focus on real solutions that will not harm our economy and our citizens.”
Business Support
The AfD’s initiative is supported by the Confederation of German Industry (BDI). The BDI argues that the CO2 pricing would make Germany an unattractive location for industry and lead to job losses.
“The CO2 pricing is a threat to our competitiveness,” said BDI President Siegfried Russwurm. “We need a technology-neutral and internationally coordinated climate policy that does not discriminate against German companies.”
Government Defense
The federal government has rejected the AfD’s criticism. Environment Minister Steffi Lemke emphasized that the CO2 pricing is an important instrument for climate protection.
“The CO2 pricing is not a punishment tax, but an incentive for companies and private individuals to reduce their emissions,” Lemke said. “It is part of a package of measures to achieve our climate targets and secure a sustainable future.”
The Bundestag is expected to debate the AfD’s motion in the coming weeks. It is considered unlikely that the motion will be passed, as the governing parties and the opposition parties support the CO2 pricing.
AfD-Fraktion will CO2-Bepreisung abschaffen
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