CSU leader Markus Söder signaled openness to adjusting the wealth tax in the ARD show «Arena». He views it as part of a comprehensive income tax reform. He did not categorically rule out a sugar tax if it serves health promotion.
Bavarian Minister President and CSU leader Markus Söder expressed openness to changes in the wealth tax during the ARD live show «Arena». «I am open to changing something about the wealth tax, because these are people who have over 300,000 euros,» he said. Previously, he had opposed any tax increases, but now sees it as part of overall relief.
Söder specified that this would be part of a major income tax reform. He cited examples such as adjusting the top tax rate for the middle class without an increase, relief for other groups, abolition of the electricity tax, and major tax simplification.
On a sugar tax for drinks like lemonades, he voiced reservations if it only plugs budget holes. «If such a tax, like the tobacco tax, could finance health and thus improve health itself and be moderate: we'll see,» he said.
In the pension debate, Söder expects longer working hours due to demographic changes. He stressed that the pension as basic security must absolutely be retained and expressed skepticism about including civil servants in the pension system. Fewer early retirements are conceivable, depending on job performance.
