Bernd Riexinger, the leader of Germany’s radical left party (Die Linke) has called for the nationalisation of all airlines to fight global warming.
“Anyone who has such a dramatic societal impact must not be allowed to remain market-based and unregulated. Airlines need to be state-owned – as well as the energy or rail industry,” he told reporters of the Funke Media Group.
Climate-damaging air travel had become irresponsibly cheap was also due to the fact that air traffic control had been privatised. “Flying was better when it was regulated and mostly in public hands. A wild competition in the aviation market was allowed – to the detriment of employees and at the expense of the climate.”
According to Riexinger, new climate policies are needed that set clear climate targets for all companies.