Klingbeil's household: Making life more affordable

There are events that change fundamental things and that require a new policy offer or at least a major debate about it and a visible effort to adapt to the new situation. The election result with almost 44 percent for the right-wing extremist AfD in Saxony-Anhalt is such an event. However, the government coalition's concrete reaction so far has been surprisingly defensive and meager. The reason and place for reflection could be the debate about the 2027 budget in the Bundestag this week.

Ultimately, the budget provides the financial framework for everything that happens next year. But Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil doesn't mention Saxony-Anhalt at all. His SPD is trying to make small shifts in the already planned social security reforms - keyword pension after 45 years of work. But that's not enough. Many citizens in Saxony-Anhalt probably voted this way because they are worried about the cost of living being too high for them.

The petrol price is again at 2.30 euros per liter. Electricity is also expensive. The discontent is not right-wing extremist, but understandable. The government could offer solutions: a gasoline price cap, a reduction in electricity tax for private households or a reform of the income tax that would provide more relief for small and medium-sized earners than Klingbeil's current proposal. Yes, that would be expensive. But the coalition has the necessary leeway.

The taz is an independent, left-wing and opinionated daily newspaper. In unseren Kommentaren, Essays und Debattentexten streiten wir seit der Gründung der taz im Jahr 1979. Oft können und wollen wir uns nicht auf eine Meinung einigen. That's why you'll find some completely opposing positions here - all part of the very broad left-wing spectrum of opinions.

The core budget is 555 billion euros, the complete spending plan is 670 billion euros. Financing greater relief for small and medium incomes is also possible if taxes on large assets and inheritances were increased. The parties in the federal government must now make a new proposal together. A sign is necessary, waiting and putting things off is dangerous. The next election results will come.