After European governments sought to do “whatever it takes” to protect people from the economic effects of pandemic lockdowns, politicians are once again taking out their checkbooks to help consumers — this time to ride out a post-reopening jump in energy prices.
France will hand out 580 million euros ($682 million) to help poor households cope with rising costs ahead of elections next year. Spain is slapping a windfall tax on utilities and a cap on consumers’ power bills. And Greece is offering monthly subsidies and higher one-off payments for low-income earners.
