Carsten Linnemann, the general secretary of the CDU, has rejected any increase in the top income tax rate, arguing that an income of 80,000 euros does not classify one as wealthy. Speaking to the TV channel “Welt” Linnemann stated that to provide tangible relief for lower earners, a minimum of 10 billion euros would be necessary. However, he cautioned that these funds could not be raised solely from the top 5 percent of taxpayers. The CDU politician argued that funding such a sum through an income tax hike-as suggested by Herr Klingbeil, implying a tax increase of over 5 percent to fund a 95 percent reduction-would unfairly affect the entire middle class and skilled trades. He expressed concern that such a measure would provoke debates about fairness. “That’s why I am against a tax increase for someone who has to pay tax on 80,000 euros” Linnemann concluded. “That’s why I am cautious about it”. This comment follows the fact that CDU finance politician Fritz Güntzler had previously indicated that a “moderate” raise in the top income tax rate was not ruled out.
Politics
