Steuerreform: Klingbeil warnt vor „Opposition in Regierung“ bei Steuern

In the ongoing dispute over his tax reform, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) criticized Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU). "A government opposition ultimately harms everyone," said Vice Chancellor Klingbeil at the sidelines of a G20 ministerial meeting in the United States. In the current political climate, the government must cooperate and not only make decisions together but also implement them.

Reiche considers Klingbeil's proposed tax reform insufficient - a point her State Secretary Thomas Steffen made clear in a letter to the Federal Finance Ministry. She calls for additional measures against what she calls the "cold progression." Klingbeil defended his draft, stating that the government is focusing on relieving families and small and medium-sized incomes, which is very important to him personally.

He rejected his coalition partner's proposals for financing further relief measures, such as increases in inheritance tax and top tax rate. Ultimately, all coalition partners approved the draft bill, which is expected to be decided on in the Cabinet tomorrow. After that, it will go to the Bundestag, where changes are not ruled out. Klingbeil was open to this, but stressed: "But the money has to be found first."