"Germany First"?

Scholz' "double boom" upsets Italy and France

Created: 05/10/2022, 14:47

By: Moritz Serif

It took a long time before the traffic light was able to agree on a gas price brake.

Now there is criticism within the EU.

Chancellor Scholz reacts in astonishment.

Brussels – France and Spain have shown the way, the traffic light coalition has followed suit: After a long back and forth, Germany decided on a gas price brake.

But not all EU member states are happy about Berlin's decision.

France and Italy in particular are bothered by the decision.

Under the government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Germany is giving its companies an unfair market advantage, complaining neighboring countries.

Paolo Gentiloni, EU Economic Commissioner, told

that European solutions are needed instead of "Germany First".

Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton also called for a "common toolbox" to tackle the problem.

There are "Member States that do not have the same budgetary leeway as Germany".

Italy's incumbent Prime Minister Mario Draghi is also bothered by the "double boom".

Scholz' gas price brake: Netherlands defends "double boom"

Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, defended Scholz's actions.

It is "very balanced and smart".

In addition, the package is not only intended for this year, but also for 2023 and 2024, and Germany had to save key companies like Uniper.

But Berlin is also in favor of Europe-wide solutions.

Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) calls for a common EU-wide purchasing strategy to counteract usury.

Such solidarity would be good for keeping gas prices down.

"Some countries, including friendly ones, sometimes achieve moon prices," he told the

.

"Of course, that brings with it problems that we have to talk about." He is counting on "the EU Commission also talking about it with friendly states," said Habeck.

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the move in matters of energy security.

© Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Scholz: "Commissioner Breton will certainly look around in his own country"

"The US approached us when oil prices skyrocketed, and Europe's national oil reserves were tapped as a result," he said.

"I think such solidarity would also be good for curbing gas prices." Chancellor Scholz also defended the "double boom" and was amazed.

"Commissioner Breton is certainly looking around in his own country," said the SPD politician.

Measures are also being taken elsewhere.

Some states have “already been doing, with great support, exactly what we have planned for this year and the next two years.” In fact, France and Spain have already introduced an energy price brake in order to keep citizens high cushion and dampen prices.

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