Steffen Bilger, the CDU/CSU parliamentary group’s first deputy group chairman, has stated that he is prepared to discuss raising the top tax rate as part of a potential tax reform. However, he heavily cautioned that for any major structural tax change to be implemented, the issue of corresponding financing must be cleared up.
Speaking to RTL and ntv on Tuesday, Bilger emphasized that while he is willing to engage in the debate despite the timing being sensitive for tax increases, he remains convinced that significant changes are required-more so than what was agreed upon in the coalition contract. He attributed this necessity to the depth of the current crisis and its profound global repercussions.
The CDU/CSU’s position highlights the reciprocal nature of coalition negotiations. Bilger noted that if the Union demands concessions from the Social Democrats (SPD), the SPD is entitled to expect the Union to reciprocate with concessions in various other areas. Therefore, he argued, the successful outcome depends on reaching a mutually beneficial package of reforms. Ultimately, he reaffirmed that relaunching the economy must remain the central focus of all these negotiations.
