CDU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn has proposed that the SPD jointly develop a draft for income tax reform. The aim is to relieve small and medium incomes without public disputes.
Spahn stressed in the Rheinische Post that both parties agree on the goal. He suggested presenting the proposal jointly to avoid conflicts. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil had previously announced the reform on the coalition's anniversary and emphasized that it must be budget-friendly.
Spahn warned against excessively high tax rates for top earners as a counter-financing measure. Instead, funds outside the tax system are needed. He also rejected suspending the debt brake and pointed to the federal government's AAA rating.
In the coalition agreement, the Union and SPD had committed to lowering income tax for small and medium incomes in the middle of the legislative period. SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch had previously considered a possible suspension of the debt brake in case of a prolonged Iran crisis.
