Before the CDU national convention, Hesse’s Minister-President Boris Rhein called for moving forward the planned corporate‑tax cut. “If it is financially feasible, the reduction scheduled for early 2028 should be advanced by a year” he told the news magazine “Focus”. He also urged that the electricity‑tax cut for everyone be implemented and that the income‑tax relief for low‑ and middle‑income earners be rolled out as quickly as possible.
When asked about inheritance‑tax reform, Rhein refused to support a measure that would subject some heirs to higher rates. “We absolutely do not need an increase in inheritance tax” he said. “I understand that the SPD will bring this old idea out of the moth‑box in a year, with five state elections”. He warned that, during a severe economic crisis, such a policy would send the wrong signal and harm the economy.
“Lazy heirs who acquire wealth without effort are not the problem” Rhein countered. “Instead, the SPD plans would hit many family businesses, forcing them to sell their companies to pay the inheritance tax-or simply shut down”.
