The German government intends to lower the energy tax on diesel and gasoline for two months, pending approval from the Bundestag and Bundesrat next week. Miersch expressed optimism regarding a potential excess profit tax on oil companies, although opposition from the CDU persists, with concerns about its constitutionality. Additionally, he defended a proposed tax-free €1,000 bonus for employees, asserting that many companies are capable of providing this financial relief despite criticism from employer associations.