Alexander Hoffmann, the head of the CSU regional group, has advocated for raising the income threshold for the top marginal tax rate. Speaking to Welt television, Hoffmann expressed support for reconsidering when the top tax rate currently kicks in, which is at an income of €69,000. He described the current limit as being too early, especially when considering recent wage developments. While he did not commit to a specific figure, the CSU politician suggested that if the baseline is currently €69, moving it towards €80,000 or €100,000 would be necessary.
Hoffmann also emphasized the need to distinguish between the top marginal tax rate and the wealth tax, which currently applies to incomes starting from €274,000. He noted that individuals affected by the higher tax were willing to contribute if reforms moved in the right direction and if the country developed sustainably.
However, the CSU regional leader cautioned against reducing the conversation to a purely redistributionist debate. Hoffmann stressed that performance must be rewarded. Furthermore, he argued that, when viewed internationally through organizations like the OSCE, Germany already possesses a significantly high and positive capability for income redistribution through its tax system.
