Joseph Nasr

BERLIN, (Reuters) – Many Germans are willing to give up their cars for a single day a week, a poll revealed on Friday. The rise in petrol and diesel prices has strained both the households and Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government.

Civey Poll for WELT broadcaster showed 48% support a weekly no-car Sunday. This would reduce Russian oil imports, leaving many Germans guilted that their driving patterns are supporting President Vladimir Putin. It is being opposed by some 46%.

The prices of diesel and petrol in Germany rose almost 26% between January and February last year. Only 30% of Russia’s oil imports come from Germany. In response to rising oil prices, there has been a call for reducing dependence on Russian energy imports while protecting consumers from price rises and maintaining the economic recovery after the pandemic.

Tax relief measures were approved by the government this week totaling 4.5 billion Euros.

Christian Lindner, Finance Minister, also proposes a temporary discount for gasoline and diesel. This would be able to save the state approximately 6.6 billion Euros over three months.

The Greens are opposed to state subsidies for fossil fuels and Lindner’s proposal is being resisted by them. The first signs of tension have been exposed in the coalition that includes Scholz’s Social Democrats, along with Lindner’s Pro-Business Free Democrats and the Greens. This month’s election in Saarland is the first since last year’s general elections.

The Greens and SPD lawmakers are against universal rebates. While high-earning car drivers would receive rebates, rising energy costs will squeeze lower-income households who lack cars.

Some lawmakers believe rising fuel prices could discourage driving and aid Germany in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Last year, they rose by 4.5%.

The proposal’s effectiveness has also been questioned by economists. A government economist compared a universal rebate with “throwing money out the window”.

Civey Poll results showed that 52% think Lindner’s petrol/diesel rebate doesn’t make sense. 39% support the idea.

Lindner, who is a Porsche owner, rejected the notion that his proposal was a “fossil-fuel subsidy.” Lindner was asked by the journalist whether he would be eligible for a rebate on fuel costs when filling up his sportscar.

Lindner stated that “it is more an instrument for intervention during a crise”

A prominent podcaster called Lindner’s suggestion a “Putin–Soli,” abbreviation for “Putin solidarité tax.”