Stories from Potsdam · Germany

Otmar Edenhofer, chief economist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, criticized fuel tax cuts during the first days of May. He stated the measure provides only short-term relief for drivers. Edenhofer warned that a price spiral for oil and gas will follow due to high demand. He noted that price increases will benefit foreign exporters rather than local drivers and residents. He noted that the cuts will not assist those needing to heat homes or drive long-term. Climate economist Ottmar Edenhofer from the Potsdam Institute expressed opposition to the fuel tax discount. Greenpeace mobility expert Marissa Reiserer described the fuel price brake as climatically incorrect and socially unbalanced. Reiserer noted that the policy primarily benefits commuters with large combustion engine vehicles rather than supporting public transport or electric mobility.

Brandenburg Economic Minister Martina Clement stated the Drischbar pipeline remains open as of Thursday. However, officials expect Russia to follow through on its announcement to shut off gas supplies on Friday.

Brandenburg plans to reject the proposed 1,000 Euro tax-free crisis relief premium in the Bundesrat. Finance Minister Keller stated to RBB that the measure has failed. The decision follows a failed attempt to implement the measure.

Police informed Bütner, the Brandenburg commissioner for combating antisemitism, that suspicion of an arson attack on his property has shifted toward two of his known associates. The incident involved an arson attack on Bütner's property.

Brandenburg craft chambers are proposing a price adjustment clause to address rising material and energy costs. The clause would allow increased costs incurred between contract award and completion to be passed to the client. Economic Minister Martina Klement held a two-hour meeting with the chambers to discuss the situation. Klement noted the proposals, though the source stated lowering energy prices is outside her competence. The situation regarding energy prices remains highly tense, according to the report.

The heads of three craft chambers in Brandenburg met with the new Economics Minister Martina Klement to discuss the severe economic situation facing local craftsmanship. Thorsten Zydow reported during a meeting of chambers of commerce that revenues and customer orders are frequently decreasing. More than half of the craft businesses in the German state of Brandenburg will require new leadership within the next ten years. Representatives from the chambers of commerce are seeking assistance from state politicians to address this issue. They stated that without support, the region faces potential losses in growth and quality of life. Klement noted during a two-hour discussion that energy prices must be lowered as quickly as possible to provide relief. Handwerkskammern representatives are calling for state political assistance to address this issue.

Artisan business owners in Brandenburg, Germany, met with the state's Minister of Economic Affairs to discuss the challenges of their daily operations. They are facing increases in diesel fuel prices, paying 40 cents or more per liter than in February. Additionally, the cost of raw materials is continuously rising. By March, half of the leadership positions in German artisan firms, including sub-installers, bakers, and hairdressers, will undergo a generational change. The Brandenburg government is preparing for this transition, with Minister Clement meeting with artisan chambers to discuss support measures.

On April 27, 1945, Soviet troops from the First Belorussian Front captured the cities of Spandau and Potsdam. The advance was made while overcoming enemy fire resistance and counter-attacks. German forces have established strong defensive positions. He was captured near the island of Hokkaido.

Brandenburg's Economic Minister, Martina Kliment, has called for increased relief for businesses and citizens facing rising energy costs. The CSU politician suggested temporarily increasing the commuter allowance or considering a type of excess profit tax. Clement said the need to create optimal framework conditions specifically for the craft sector in Brandenburg. Brandenburg's Minister of Economic Affairs, Clement, has proposed increased relief measures due to rising energy prices. She suggested a temporary increase in the commuter allowance and exploring the possibility of an excess profit tax on companies benefiting disproportionately from the energy crisis. This could potentially curb further energy price increases. The proposal includes exploring a form of windfall tax.

The German state of Brandenburg has implemented changes to the public procurement process to facilitate easier bidding for municipalities. The threshold for procurement procedures has been increased from 10,000 Euros to 100,000 Euros. The new system follows the 'best bidder' principle, requiring winners to submit all necessary plans and documents only upon the award of the contract. Brandenburg's Economy Minister, Marlene Clement, is scheduled to discuss the state of craftsmanship in the region.