Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) has refuted the claim made by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) that the planned income tax reform harbors hidden tax increases. Speaking on RTL’s “Nachtjournal Spezial,” Klingbeil stated that “Katherina Reiche holds a position that is not supported by her own party leadership.” He emphasized that the reform had reached a consensus within the coalition committee, adding, “I fought very hard for this, so that these funds are used to relieve small and medium incomes and to help families.”
He noted that if Katherina Reiche cannot accept that top earners will not receive tax breaks, then he would have to accept her stance. However, Klingbeil immediately countered this by saying, “I also need to point out that your own federal chancellor held a different position, and we will decide on that tomorrow in the cabinet.”
Looking at Reiche’s open letter, Klingbeil anticipates a definitive statement from CDU Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He is confident that the German Chancellor is currently reading the letter and asking himself, “Why is there this opposition within the government?” Klingbeil concluded that the cabinet has the ability to send a unified message and provide relief to citizens amounting to “10 billion [euros].” He warned that acting against one’s own government is ultimately detrimental-it benefits neither the CDU nor the SPD, but only those who wish ill upon the country.
