Verena Bentele, the president of the VdK social association, stated that abolishing the marital tax split is long overdue, adding that it favors couples with significant income disparities. She argued that the current system hinders gender equality in the job market and complicates financial independence for women.
The VdK advocates that financial support for families with children should be based on assuming family responsibility rather than on the formal marital status. Consequently, Bentele suggests replacing the current tax split with a family tax model that does not negatively affect women’s employment.
However, Bentele opposes the elimination of free supplementary health insurance coverage for spouses. She emphasized that while some argue for additional incentives regarding the employment of primarily covered wives, the family insurance remains a core element of statutory health insurance and must remain untouched, particularly for families with low to middle incomes. To abolish it, she warned, would necessitate an increase in contributions.
Furthermore, Bentele deemed a potential increase in VAT to be “extremely unsocial” noting that it would disproportionately burden low and middle-income individuals who spend their money on daily necessities rather than investments in stocks. According to the VdK president, the VAT hike represents “the easiest way for a government that shies away from profound reforms and leaves vital revenue sources untapped” stressing that instead of taking the easiest route, a more equitable one is necessary. This, she suggested, would involve finally implementing fairer taxation of inheritances and assets.
