Franziska Brantner, the leader of the Greens party, has sharply criticized the recent coalition decisions. Speaking to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”, she stated that “the whole package is listless.” She argued that fundamental questions remain unanswered, such as how to generate future prosperity or how Germany will earn income in the coming years, concluding that the government has failed to provide sufficient responses. Furthermore, beyond lacking growth impulses for future technologies, Brantner noted that the government has performed poorly regarding tax reform and reducing bureaucracy.
Regarding the income tax reform, Brantner called it a “narrow-path reform without major relief and without holding the wealthy more accountable,” asserting that the current taxation remains unjust. She also strongly objected to the plan requiring employees to visit a doctor for a sick note starting from the first day of illness, claiming this measure would overload medical practices and increase bureaucracy. The Greens politician described this requirement as “a sign of mistrust towards doctors and employees.”
While she welcomes the federal government’s intention to combat social fraud more aggressively, Brantner criticized the government for simultaneously ignoring tax fraud opportunities, saying that “definitely much more could be gained there.”
Brantner also advocates for a tougher diplomatic approach toward China. Adopting a principle of reciprocity, she said, “If the Chinese do not open their markets to our products, then we do not have to keep ours open to their goods.” She pointed out that the federal government has so far blocked necessary actions within the EU. Warning that the economy will face even greater problems if they fail to “wake up,” she concluded that a rapid, common European response is essential.
