tagesschau 20:00 Uhr, 16.09.2026

In tonight's broadcast, the dominant story is the German government's scramble to respond to soaring fuel prices, with coalition partners divided over whether to cut taxes or impose a price cap. The episode also covers a leadership crisis within the CDU just days before key state elections, new security measures proposed after a deadly Islamist attack in Berlin, and a significant EU partnership announcement with Canada.

The Battle Over Fuel Prices

With petrol prices reaching 2.29 euros per liter for Super E10, the pressure on the governing coalition is mounting. The broadcast breaks down the cost: 1.11 euros goes to the oil companies' costs and profit, while taxes and levies make up the rest. The energy tax alone accounts for 65.5 cents per liter, and VAT adds another 36.5 cents. The CO2 price adds 15.6 cents.

The coalition is split on the solution. Economics Minister Reichel, speaking from a business trip to the US, advocates for cutting the energy tax, arguing it would provide immediate relief "directly at the pump." In contrast, Amazon, representing the SPD in the government's fuel task force, proposes a price cap. Under this model, the government would negotiate a maximum price with oil companies, adjusted weekly or daily based on crude oil prices and transport costs. Amazon argues the goal is to "limit the margins of the oil companies."