Wagenknecht proposes social leasing - also for combustion engines

As an economic stimulus for the automotive industry, the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance proposes a state-supported "Volksleasing" with rates starting at 58 euros. This should be modeled on the French example of "social leasing" for electric cars, but with one crucial difference: combustion engines with less than 5 liters of consumption per 100 kilometers should also be supported, demands party founder Sahra Wagenknecht. The stated rate would be as high as the monthly price for the Germany ticket starting in 2025.

"For many people in Germany, the Germany ticket is useless because there is simply no relevant local and long-distance public transport near them," Wagenknecht told the German Press Agency. There is often a lack of infrastructure for electric cars. A state leasing program is needed that guarantees fuel-efficient mobility for low and middle-income earners. High earners should be excluded from the program. She did not disclose how much it would cost.

"Such a rescue program for the German automotive industry, which at the same time creates incentives to finally invest again in fuel-efficient models, would not only be reasonable but also fair, because the support reaches those who really need it," finds Wagenknecht. 

The BSW founder has long advocated for the indefinite use of engines running on petrol or diesel. Combustion produces the climate-damaging carbon dioxide. In contrast, it is decided in Europe that from 2035 only new cars without CO emissions will be allowed, in order to curb global warming. Electric and hydrogen cars meet this requirement. Car companies have now invested billions to ramp up the production of electric cars.