Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) emphasized at the DGB Federal Congress in Berlin that high earners must pay more in a planned tax reform. "For me, it is completely clear that there cannot be an income tax reform without high earners in this country having to pay more," said Klingbeil.
He justified his demand by pointing to the increasing inequality in society. "A society where inequalities are growing is not a productive society," Klingbeil stated. He also noted that living costs have risen in recent years, making it necessary to relieve people with middle incomes.
The discussion about the tax reform takes place against the backdrop of a coalition committee, which will also include Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and Labor Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD). Söder expects concrete results from the government.
Union faction leader Jens Spahn (CDU) also suggested the idea of a flat reduction of subsidies and tax benefits to finance the tax reform. He mentioned possible cuts of five percent that could gain higher acceptance.
