Union vs. SPD: Possible tax increases for top earners cause controversy

SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf (34) said that when it comes to taxing billion-dollar inheritances and wealth, Germany is at the bottom of the list in Europe. "In Germany, it can happen that someone working a 40-hour week as a teacher or nurse pays more taxes than someone who inherits 400 apartments in a prime location."

Chancellor's Office Minister Thorsten Frei (52, CDU) countered that the coalition agreement does not provide for tax increases, but rather rightly aims for tax cuts. As in the past, the coalition will make key decisions jointly, he told the "Rheinische Post" newspaper. "The coalition agreement forms our basis for this."