Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has rejected renewed relief measures such as a fuel-tax cut despite rising petrol prices triggered by the Middle East escalation, arguing instead that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz should accelerate Germany's shift to renewable energy. He called the blockade "a wake-up call for all of us" as oil and gas prices have climbed sharply in recent months.
Separately, the Christian Democratic Union minister backed Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan's proposal to exempt Ukraine assistance from Germany's constitutional debt brake. Wadephul said the coalition must discuss the matter now and decide by autumn.
Beyond energy and fiscal debates, Wadephul is pushing for the resumption of negotiations in both the Ukraine conflict and the Gulf region crises.