The press focuses on the increasingly expensive food, but also the opportunities in the energy sector. Interview with Lindner on inflation and Russian oligarchs.
The headlines have long been monopolized by fire-increases in fuel and food, but according to the Federal Statistical Office, tomato prices are the largest increase over any other food: 40% for all varieties in the April. “For the estimated inflation as the Germans feel, the number one object of indignation is now the tomato,” notes the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. “Ultimately, everyone has to buy food. And most people eat tomatoes.”
But is Putin also responsible for this? “Ukraine is not a major supplier of tomatoes, and indeed its price began to rise before Putin ordered an attack on February 24,” said the author. mainly from Spain and Morocco and from March to May there is a shift to Dutch, Belgian and German tomatoes “, explains Hans-Christoph Beer from the German Agricultural Market Information Company (AMI) to the newspaper. “But this year this change of baton did not succeed because the Dutch were too late to start. Some farms did not heat their greenhouses as much as other years in winter, with the result that the spring harvest is smaller and the fruits ripen at a slower rate.”
Lindner on inflation and Russian oligarchs
“Politically open to the idea of ​​confiscating the assets of the Central Bank of Russia abroad,” German Finance Minister Christian Lindner said in an interview with four European newspapers, including Handelsblatt, shortly before the conference with his G7 counterparts. “As far as private property is concerned, we have to see what is legally possible. We have to respect the rule of law even when it comes to Russian oligarchs.”
Asked about the role of the European Central Bank as a guarantor of price stability in times of galloping inflation, Lindner said “the battle can not be won by it alone. [την ΕΚΤ]”We need to consider our specific position in the eurozone and what each member state can do at fiscal level to alleviate inflationary pressures.”
He emphasized that the decision was not a signal of a formal antitrust inquiry into the European Union, but said that “there is a strong link between national debt, financial risks and Member States’ policy-making.” I do not see any benefit in sharing the risks before those risks are reduced. The Member States of the monetary union themselves are responsible for their public finances. We are not in favor of a European Union that continues to issue bonds. ”
Plans for the “miracle” green hydrogen
Green hydrogen: “not a day goes by that members of the German government do not praise the opportunities it offers”, writes the Süddeutsche Zeitungwhich owns a plan by the Federal Association for Energy Economics and Water Resources Management (BDEW) that addresses the obstacles that need to be overcome for Germany to benefit from the “miracle weapon” against climate change, as it stands.
“The association that drafted the position paper has in mind a law that will promote hydrogen by accelerating the ‘transformation of the gas industry’. A completely new funding program is needed to reward both hydrogen production and use, “The so-called dispute agreements (CfDs), which the coalition government also wants.
But is green hydrogen enough for everyone? The association acknowledges that “more imports and the necessary infrastructure are needed.”
Katerina Alexandridi
SOURCE: Deutsche Welle
Source: Capital
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
