Wegner emphasized the need for immediate relief, suggesting a temporary reduction or suspension of the CO₂ levy during an interview on ARD. He expressed skepticism towards Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s proposals, advocating instead for direct measures to address the unmanageable fuel costs. Meanwhile, Martina Klement, the Minister of Economic Affairs in Brandenburg, has shown openness to a windfall tax, diverging from Merz’s stance that prioritizes regulatory intervention before profit reassessment. A crisis summit involving economic representatives and unions is scheduled by Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil to address the escalating energy prices.