The Young Social Democrats (Jusos) remain skeptical, even after the Chancellor signalled willingness to reform the social state. Chairman Philipp Türmer told RTL and ntv that this marks a new tone from the CDU, which he finds positive but still somewhat uncertain. He explained that the Chancellor’s remarks signal a clear message to his own party that the social state cannot be reformed simply by cutting dental benefits for people. Türmer added that he is not yet sure whether everyone in the Union will follow this line, but would welcome it.
When asked which reforms the government should tackle first, Türmer said the state must tap into capital gains to finance social benefits. He called it unfair that the entire social system relies solely on wages, while individuals with vast capital earnings could “completely pull out”. “No one wants to hit small savers” he said. “There will always be thresholds. This is about other people”.
He pointed out that nearly ten billionaires under 30 live in Germany, many of whom did not earn their wealth through work but inherited or were given it by parents. Türmer said this is unjust because these individuals contribute little to the funding of the social state, and that cannot continue. He concluded that the current system, which relies almost entirely on wages, is unsustainable.
Türmer expressed no concern that CSU leader Markus Söder has categorically ruled out reforms to the inheritance tax. “Markus Söder says something different every three days, and especially on Ash Wednesday” Türmer remarked. “I’m not sure he remembers what he said”.
