The SPD parliamentary secretary Dirk Wiese argues that a “surplus tax” on the crisis profits of mineral‑oil companies would be a worthwhile approach. “We certainly won’t sit back while war‑profiteers pad their pockets as the rest of society pays” Wiese said in a Friday interview with the “Rheinische Post”. “This is unacceptable”. He added that it is appropriate to keep the option on the table, and that the surplus tax would provide the necessary funding to ease the burden on ordinary citizens.
According to “Spiegel”, federal finance minister Lars Klingbeil-also of the SPD-is examining the introduction of a similar “surplus tax”. The proposed revenue would be earmarked for raising the commuter allowance, thereby offering relief to working commuters.
