Bundesregierung: SPD-Fraktion fordert Vermögensteuer und geht auf Distanz zur Union

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) in the German Bundestag is pushing for wealth taxes, a reform of inheritance tax, and changes to spousal splitting in its economic policy stance against the ruling Union (CDU/CSU) partner. This is outlined in a 22-page economic paper titled "Modernizing Germany – A New Model for Growth and Prosperity."

The document, which the faction plans to adopt on Tuesday, is not a finished blueprint but rather a "social democratic vision for the future," containing many demands that go beyond the coalition agreement with CDU and CSU. The SPD argues that "large fortunes must make a greater contribution to the common good" and specifically calls for a reform of the inheritance tax on substantial wealth transfers as well as the "reintroduction of the wealth tax."

The Union has rejected a wealth tax in the coalition, while the SPD also plans to reform the family split in tax law to reduce incentives for labor force participation, particularly for women. Additionally, the faction seeks a further increase in the minimum wage and calls for a "margin-limited petrol price ceiling" in response to rising fuel prices at the pump, modeled after Belgium and Luxembourg.

The proposal aims to curb the profits of oil companies. The SPD explicitly opposes granting further concessions to the Union in European automotive policy, stating that "we will not go beyond the agreements of the coalition" with regard to relaxing vehicle emission standards. The economic paper also includes economic policies that overlap with the Union, such as faster planning and approval procedures and less bureaucracy for businesses, but the SPD emphasizes a more active state role, participating as a strategic investor in critical infrastructure and proactively supporting future industries.

In terms of energy policy, the SPD commits to climate neutrality by 2045, expands renewable energy sources, rejects nuclear energy, and remains open to carbon capture and utilization technologies.