After the Bundesrat blocked the planned tax-free relief premium of up to 1,000 euros, leading politicians are urging a comprehensive income tax reform instead. Manuela Schwesig (SPD) and Markus Söder (CSU) described the premium as failed.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Minister President Manuela Schwesig (SPD) defended her state's rejection of the relief premium in the ARD program Caren Miosga. She criticized the federal government for failing to clearly communicate that employers were supposed to pay the 1,000 euros and advised dropping the plan in favor of an income tax reform.
Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder (CSU) echoed this view, declaring the premium off the table. He proposed channeling the intended tax relief into a broader income tax reform that would benefit all taxpayers. The Bundesrat had halted the measure on Friday, with only four of 16 states approving.
Baden-Württemberg's designated Minister President Cem Özdemir (Greens) called on the federal government to present a united front on reforms. The topic is scheduled for discussion in the coalition committee on Tuesday, where alternatives such as direct payments may also be considered.
