CDU members propose revisions to the nation's tax structure

In the heart of Germany's political landscape, a debate is unfolding regarding potential tax increases for top earners and the wealthy. This discussion is taking place within the coalition, with the CDU and CSU currently standing against such a move.

According to the coalition agreement between the Union and SPD, no taxes are to be increased, as stated by CDU leader Friedrich Merz. However, SPD Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has not ruled out the possibility of increasing taxes on top incomes and wealth to address a budget gap of over 30 billion euros in 2027.

Within the CDU, the chairman of the Christian Democratic Employees' Association (CDA), Dennis Radtke, has proposed closing major loopholes in inheritance tax and suggested a slight increase in the wealth tax. He also proposes reducing the middle-class bulge in the tariff, which currently burdens average earners.

Radtke's proposals have been discussed within the CDU during the drafting of the new CDU basic program. He emphasizes the need for fairness in taxation, particularly in inheritance tax.

CDU budget policy spokesman Andreas Mattfeldt finds it justifiable to increase the wealth tax, but only if necessary social reforms are implemented in return. He has suggested that such social reforms could be a potential exchange for a wealth tax increase.

The debate over taxation reform is ongoing within the CDU and could potentially influence the German economy and taxation landscape. Chancellor Merz has rejected the idea of additional tax revenues, reiterating his stance last weekend in a "Berlin direct summer interview" on ZDF.

Despite the ongoing discussion, it is important to note that the proposals by Radtke are not yet official policies of the CDU or the German government. The leaders of CDU and CSU currently reject this tax increase, and no specific rates or amounts for the proposed changes in taxation have been detailed.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the German government will address the budget gap while maintaining fairness in taxation. The future of taxation reform in Germany remains a topic of interest and discussion among political leaders and the general public.