Karl Haeusgen, leader of the Green Party’s economic association, is advocating for an increase in both income and inheritance taxes. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, Haeusgen stated that the maximum income tax rate could be raised if the government invested more significantly in infrastructure and education. He argued that a comprehensive package involving contributions from all citizens is essential, stressing that deep reforms of the healthcare and pension systems are also necessary and must be communicated effectively. He added that if the public perceives the system as fair, they will be more willing to comply.
Echoing this call, the former President of the VDMA (Machinery Manufacturers’ Association) welcomed the Greens’ demand for higher inheritance tax, suggesting the party has put forward a positive proposal in this area. Personally, Haeusgen noted that while he profited from the current rules-having bequeathed his company to his three children at age 78 without incurring inheritance tax due to good financial planning-he believes this situation is fundamentally unfair. He asserted that families like his should be subject to inheritance tax. However, he specified that the regulations must be lenient regarding deadlines, ensuring that the underlying substance of the business is not jeopardized, and that any tax payments are instead sourced from dividends.
