SPD faction leader Matthias Miersch urged CSU chairman Markus Söder to cooperate constructively on the reforms planned by the schwarz‑rote coalition. “All coalition partners are called upon to state what they support” Miersch told the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” (every‑day broadcasts). “Söder should also say what he wants – not just what he opposes. He knows too that a compromise must ultimately be reached”.
Söder had, among other things, outright rejected flat tax increases. Miersch added that the income‑tax overhaul should ease the burden on lower and middle‑income households. “That will only be possible if we hold the top five percent of earners, who earn a lot, to greater responsibility”.
Before the SPD leadership conference on Friday, Miersch expressed confidence that the SPD would not fracture over the difficult reforms. “I’m sure the SPD stands together at all political levels” he said. The conference will focus on defining clear priorities for the party. “We’ll demonstrate how closely we stand behind the reforms, even with local governments” Miersch added. He sees a major opportunity for the SPD if the reforms link security with fairness.
