Germany’s Green Party has voiced criticism of the current coalition government’s budgetary priorities, urging a reconsideration of certain expenditure commitments. In an interview, Green Party parliamentary group leader Katharina Dröge argued against what she termed “costly electoral gifts” such as increases to mothers’ pensions, higher commuter allowances and agricultural diesel subsidies.
Dröge suggested that increased revenue generated through a more effective crackdown on tax avoidance and evasion could help address budgetary gaps. She also advocated for a reform of inheritance tax, pointing to a perceived inequity where substantial inheritances – specifically, 300 or more residential properties or inheritances exceeding €26 million – are currently exempt from taxation.
Addressing rising healthcare contribution rates, Dröge called for short-term increases in subsidies for health and care insurance. While acknowledging the need for efficiency improvements within the healthcare system, she reiterated the Green Party’s long-term goal of a citizen’s insurance scheme encompassing all citizens, including those with private insurance and ensuring a fairer contribution from high-wealth individuals.
Regarding pension funding, the Green Party leader emphasized the importance of boosting contributions through increased employment, particularly among women and through skilled worker immigration. She also called for expanding mandatory pension contributions to include groups currently exempt, such as members of parliament and self-employed individuals without other pension provisions.
