Federal Economy Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) is not ruling out raising the top income‑tax rate, while Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) has called for an increase in the wage tax on the five percent of employees with the highest salaries. Reiche told Bild am Sonntag, “I’m not saying anything definitive, but I’m not ruling anything out either. Ultimately, a solid reform package is what matters”. She insists that corporate tax should be cut by 2027, not 2028, arguing that “that would be a great relief and an important signal that we’re investing in Germany’s location”. Reiche stresses that the planned reforms must take effect “as soon as possible”. She added that the package should be in place before summer, ideally before the 12th of the year. In response to rising fuel prices, Reiche proposes a temporary increase in the commuter allowance, financed through higher VAT receipts, though she did not specify an exact amount.
Politics
