A leading CDU lawmaker has proposed a potential compromise to ongoing budgetary and tax debates, suggesting an increase in taxes on high earners contingent upon the implementation of substantial social reforms. Andreas Mattfeldt, a Bundestag member and key figure in budgetary policy, indicated a willingness to consider raising the “wealth tax” – levied on high-income individuals – if the Social Democratic Party (SPD) demonstrates commitment to modernizing the social security system.
Mattfeldt expressed dissatisfaction with the current direction of economic and social policy, stating that achieving a “future-proof” social system is paramount. He emphasized a desire for tangible progress that resonates with the wider public. According to the CDU politician, discussions with high-earning individuals – those making over half a million euros annually – revealed a surprising level of acceptance for increased taxation, provided it’s coupled with concrete reform initiatives.
This stance represents a divergence from the positions held by the leadership of both the CDU and CSU. Both Friedrich Merz, the CDU chairman and Markus Söder, the CSU leader, have previously expressed opposition to increasing the tax burden on wealthier citizens and top earners. Mattfeldt’s proposal seeks to bridge the gap through a reciprocal agreement, linking potential tax increases to necessary adjustments within the social welfare framework.
