The surcharge "should prevent some suppliers that are particularly dependent on Russian gas from immediately collapsing," said the Chancellor. The situation has changed fundamentally, however, since Russia has been delivering almost no gas to Germany. "That has an impact on prices, so we have to give a new answer to this changed situation."

In the case of gas, "the prices that we pay for imports from all over the world have to come down in the long run," said Scholz, emphasizing: "My goal is to ensure that consumers and companies are not faced with insurmountable because the gas bills are suddenly going astronomical."

The government is working flat out by arranging gas supplies with other partners in the world. "And we consult with representatives from science, business and practice. The goal is clear: market prices for gas must fall, and anyone who needs additional help will get it," said the Chancellor.

Scholz left open whether the debt brake would have to be suspended again. "We will provide the necessary help and also say how we can handle it financially," he said when asked by the newspaper about the debt brake.

The "so-called electricity price brake" will also be quick, Scholz said. "We will skim off the chance profits from electricity producers in order to lower electricity prices and grid fees." The EU Commission has presented plans "that pretty much coincide with our ideas". The chancellor added: "It's going quickly now."