Berlin, April 14, 2026 — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil announced further measures to relieve citizens from energy and fuel costs after US President Donald Trump signaled a sea blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, tightening global energy markets and threatening new price rises. Kay Gottschalk of the AfD criticized the government’s plan as too late, too small, and misaligned with citizens’ needs, arguing for broader tax relief, including reducing energy and value-added taxes, abolishing the CO2 levy, and raising the commuter allowance and the basic tax-free allowance to 15,000 euros. He contended that CDU/SPD respond only under public pressure, while the AfD acts strategically.
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