German government ignores housing costs in relief debate

The German government's relief measures, such as the tank discount (Tankrabatt), fail to address the largest financial burden for millions: housing costs. Over a third of tenant households spend more than 30% of their income on rent, according to the Mieterbund (German Tenants' Association). The proposed relief premium (Entlastungsprämie) was blocked by the Bundesrat. Meanwhile, energy companies have only partially passed on the tank discount to consumers. The article argues that effective rent control, including the socialization of large real estate corporations, is necessary to combat poverty. The discussion comes amid rising energy prices following the attack by Israel and the USA on Iran.