Bundestag: Union faction signals willingness to compromise on the climate package

Union leader Ralph Brinkhaus has signaled in the debate on the climate decisions of the leaders of the CDU, CSU and SPD willingness to compromise. The criticism of the negotiated climate package is "very serious," he said. "Of course, if we are too low now, we have the option to follow up each year," said Brinkhaus. "We will do that, too, if it is not enough."

Last Friday, the coalition of the Union and the SPD had agreed on the cornerstones of the climate protection program 2030 and received a lot of criticism from scientists and climate activists. The Greens expressed the expectation that the Federal Government will improve its key points. They can block laws in the Bundesrat via their participation in state governments. However, it is not yet clear in detail which of the projects will need the approval of the Länder.

Among other things, the climate package was criticized for the fact that the emission of the climate-effective gas carbon dioxide (CO2) should initially cost only ten euros per ton in traffic and heating from 2021, which makes gasoline about three cents per liter more expensive. This is a price that climate protectors think is too low.

Acting Social Democrat leader Malu Dreyer pointed out that her party had argued for a higher carbon price. "We will talk openly with the Greens on how to get together," she told the "Tagesspiegel" with a view to the negotiations in the Bundesrat. Brinkhaus also advocated a broad social consensus and consultation with the countries.

Environment Minister Svenja Schulze (SPD) said in the Bundestag: "I could have imagined more." The price alone was not a panacea. It's also about the promotion. Like Brinkhaus, she emphasized that the package must also meet with acceptance among the people.