Tension has intensified between the SPD and Federal Minister of Economic Affairs, Katherina Reiche (CDU), over the proposed tax reform. Dirk Wiese, the SPD’s Parliamentary Chief of Staff, has publicly admonished Reiche, urging her to concentrate on the responsibilities of her own ministry.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, Wiese described Minister Reiche’s recent remarks as deeply frustrating. “Her statements leave me shaking my head yet again. I would be relieved if she would focus on her own portfolio,” Wiese stated. Furthermore, the SPD politician criticized Reiche for challenging joint agreements concerning the tax reform, adding that opposition within the coalition had never worked before and currently was not working either.
Meanwhile, Minister Reiche herself has expressed dissatisfaction with the reform put forward by Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD), considering it inadequate. Addressing the Federal Ministry of Finance, State Secretary Thomas Steffen also demanded the inclusion of additional measures designed to combat the effect of “cold progression”-a gradual tax increase caused by inflation.
