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Olaf Scholz: The SPD candidate for chancellor is optimistic, regardless of the poor poll numbers
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Clemens Bilan / EPA
There are calls for corporate tax cuts in the Union.
SPD chancellor candidate Olaf Scholz rejects this strictly.
This was an "absurd idea," said the Federal Finance Minister at the Social Democrats' "future camp" in Berlin.
Because of the corona crisis, the state will have to take on 400 billion euros in debt.
They have supported companies with tens of billions and enabled tax breaks in the order of more than 100 billion euros.
"In this world it is an absurd idea of the leadership of the CDU / CSU to say: These people now need another tax cut."
This was a mistake that would not even occur to the Conservatives in Great Britain, who had just pushed through tax increases in this area.
"We have strange conservatives, way behind the times," said Scholz.
They did not understand the crisis.
Söder and Laschet are holding out the prospect of tax cuts for companies
Most recently, the Union had promised comprehensive tax breaks for companies in the event of a victory in the federal election.
"The better the companies are, the more the state will have for its state tasks," said Chancellor candidate Armin Laschet last week at the "German Family Business Day" in Berlin.
The tax burden of companies in Germany must be capped at a maximum of 25 percent.
CSU boss Markus Söder made a similar statement.
The Bavarian Prime Minister recently spoke out in favor of abolishing the renewable energy levy (EEG surcharge) to promote green electricity, lowering the electricity tax and reducing the solos for everyone.
Corporate taxes would have to be reduced to 25 percent.
Scholz criticizes the Greens
Scholz also spoke out at the »future camp« in favor of gradually disappearing the EEG surcharge.
That is 25 billion euros a year.
"If we can do that, it will be a relief of 300 to 400 euros for a family with children," said the chancellor candidate.
Scholz, on the other hand, criticized the Greens who were in front of the SPD in the polls.
"They may have a lot of ideas," he said.
"But they are not over and simply ignored the reality of life for most citizens." He cited the plans for CO2 pricing as an example.
"Trying to regulate everything about prices may not be thought through to the end."
Despite the poor poll results, Scholz was optimistic that he would be able to win the Bundestag election in September.
They want to lead a new government.
After 16 years, Angela Merkel is stepping down as Chancellor.
"Something new is beginning," said Scholz.
"We now have the chance to open up new perspectives."
asc / dpa / Reuters