As kebab prices continue to soar uncontrollably, Germans suddenly miss the old chancellor, Angela Merkel.
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By
MUHAMMAD SAMSUL HADI
·2 minutes read
Berlin
These days, it's not the price of gas that's making the citizens of Germany dizzy, but the price of kebabs. In the last two years, the price of kebabs in the country has increased manifold. Two years ago, the price was still around 4 euros (Rp. 69,000), now in some cities it has reached 10 euros (Rp. 172,000).
Because of kebabs, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz often became the target of complaints from his citizens, especially young people. "It's quite surprising that wherever I go, especially from young people, I am always asked why there is no price control for kebabs," said Scholz, as quoted by The Guardian, Tuesday (7/5/2024).
During an event, Scholz was approached by a young person who pouted at him. "I now have to spend 8 euros to buy kebab... tell (President of Russia Vladimir) Putin that I want to buy it for 4 euros," said the young person.
The issue of kebab has now become a political issue in Germany. The left-wing party, Die Linke, is pushing the government to provide subsidies to control kebab prices. Similar to when apartment rental prices skyrocketed, the federal government intervened by providing subsidies.
Through social media, the Scholz government is attempting to explain that the issue of kebab, among others, is triggered by increases in wages and energy prices.
BERND WEISSBROD/DPA
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz drinks beer during his visit to the Gold Ochsen brewery in Ulm, Germany, January 16, 2023.
Kebab was introduced to Germany - and its taste was adjusted to the citizens' taste buds - by immigrants from Turkey. Kebab is a popular food in Germany, especially among the younger generation. Besides being affordable for their pockets in the past, kebab was also easy to find. Many vendors sell it in kiosks on the roadside.
It is estimated that kebab sales in Germany reach 7 billion euros a year. The Die Linke party estimates that, with an estimated 1.3 billion kebabs consumed each year—in Berlin alone, approximately 400,000 kebabs are consumed per day—a subsidy of 4 billion euros per year is needed.
However, Scholz is not interested in that recommendation. In a free market economy, he said, it is impossible to control prices. Instead of addressing the situation, he praised the European Central Bank's efforts to reduce inflation rates.
Impatient to see that Scholz's government is less than quick in handling the kebab issue, some young people via social media asked the old chancellor, Angela Merkel, to step in to lead Germany again. In Merkel's time, say young Germans, "kebab prices were always under control."
It's true what people say, stomach matters, don't play around...
