Merz Warns: Germany Cannot Shield Citizens from Iran War Price Shock
German Chancellor فريدريش ميرتس has warned that the government cannot fully protect citizens from rising energy costs triggered by the ongoing war in Iran, stressing that public finances have clear limits.
Speaking during a parliamentary session in Berlin, ميرتس said the state could introduce some measures to ease the burden on households, but it would not be possible to offset every increase in prices through tax cuts or federal spending.
He emphasized that the most effective way to bring energy prices under control is to end the conflict in Iran. According to him, continued fighting is the primary driver behind the sharp rise in global fuel costs.
Germany, like many other countries, has seen a significant surge in fuel prices since the conflict began. Critics have accused oil companies of exploiting the crisis to increase profits, but ميرتس expressed skepticism about imposing a windfall tax on so-called excess earnings, arguing that such a concept is difficult to define legally.
The German government is currently working with its European partners to push for a diplomatic resolution, urging the United States and Israel to engage in efforts to de-escalate the situation. The conflict has severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies, further driving up prices.
ميرتس noted that a peaceful resolution would require cooperation from all sides, including Iran, but said there are currently few signs of willingness to negotiate. He added that Germany would be prepared to participate in international efforts to stabilize the region once hostilities end, provided there is a mandate from the United Nations.