After the Social Democratic Party’s defeat in the state election in Rhineland‑Palatinate, Berlin SPD candidate Steffen Krach is demanding that his party present concrete relief plans for low‑ and middle‑income earners across the country.
“In people will start voting for the SPD again when they see us in their everyday life as the party of social justice” Krach told the “Tagesspiegel” (Tuesday edition). “When people can afford less and less of their wages, reforms that ease the burden on lower and middle incomes must be put in place”.
He argues that a widespread sense of injustice pervades society, a feeling the CDU is further inflaming. “It is not enough for the SPD to criticize this; we must also put proposals forward” he added.
Krach used the debate over rising fuel prices in Germany-attributable to the Iran war-as an example. “It doesn’t matter to the Porsche owner whether gasoline prices skyrocket” he said. “But we must lobby to protect those drivers who have to double‑check every euro they earn”.
He calls for stopping oil companies that have profited more because of the war, suggesting that “over‑profits” be reclaimed. For repeat offenders, he proposes that, as a last resort, the removal of licences be considered.
Krach also highlighted a recent party proposal to reform the inheritance tax, which would relieve those with small to medium inheritances while ensuring that large inheritances that have previously escaped taxation are properly taxed. “This is the right approach” he concluded.
