In a recent podcast interview, Klingbeil communicated to the opposition that he is receptive to discussions regarding the so-called ‘lawnmower method’ for subsidy reductions. Spahn advocates for this approach as it may yield greater public acceptance compared to evaluating each subsidy individually. He argues that such cuts could help finance proposed income tax relief measures, which are projected to require at least ten billion euros annually. This statement was broadcast on Deutschlandfunk on May 22, 2026.