New discussion with the Union?: SPD politician Wiese insists on income tax reform

There could be new disputes within the coalition. At least SPD parliamentary manager Wiese believes a discussion is necessary. The reason: He wants to ease the burden on small and middle incomes – and very high incomes should be used for this purpose.

SPD parliamentary manager Dirk Wiese continues to push for income tax reform for lower and middle incomes – despite Chancellor Friedrich Merz's reservations about funding. "Especially with regard to income tax reform to ease the burden on low and middle incomes, we should achieve results promptly," Wiese demanded in an interview with "Stern" magazine. A tax reform in this segment is necessary and can also be financed.

"The top tax rate could take effect later, but we would impose a higher tax burden on very high incomes," said the First Parliamentary Secretary of the SPD parliamentary group. This would ease the burden on skilled workers and all those who toil in shift work in the chemical or automotive industries, for example. "We're openly discussing this," Wiese told the newspaper "Stern." "The CDU/CSU also does the same with issues that are important to them."

The SPD will never remove from its platform the idea that stronger shoulders could contribute more to the common good, the SPD politician continued. This is a question of justice, and the SPD will remain true and persistent in this regard. "I know these discussions with the CDU/CSU are not easy, but we should have them," Wiese said.

Chancellor Merz recently declared an income tax reform "not fixed" and subject to funding. He emphasized that the government intends to reduce income taxes "if the public budget allows it."