Verdi boss criticizes Lindner's tax relief plans: "crass unfair"

Created: 08/12/2022Updated: 08/12/2022 08:38

By: Stephanie Munk

Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FPD) (archive image) © Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Verdi boss Werneke criticizes that those who suffer most from inflation would hardly benefit from Finance Minister Lindner's tax plans.

Berlin - The federal chairman of the Verdi trade union, Frank Werneke, has sharply criticized Finance Minister Christian Lindner's tax relief plans.

that those who have high incomes and are affected by the top tax rate would benefit first and foremost

.

Lindner himself defended his package as "socially balanced".

"Those who also work hard every day, but have a rather low income and are currently suffering most from the price increase, would hardly benefit - that's blatantly unfair," said the trade unionist.

Lindner's plans also led to significant permanent loss of income, which weakened public services.

But the opposite is necessary.

Verdi demand: Companies that make profits in the crisis should pay

Werneke called for a comprehensive tax concept.

This is intended to compensate for changes in the income tax rate with an increase in the top tax rate and an excess profit tax.

The latter should pay companies that make disproportionately high profits during the crisis.

"Employees who do not receive high salaries and who are in real need in view of the price development do not benefit from tinkering with the tax rate.

Instead, another relief package with direct payments is needed - targeted for people with low to medium household incomes," said the union boss.

Lindner's tax plans: The Greens and SPD also see difficulties

FDP leader Lindner presented his plans on Wednesday.

48 million citizens should benefit from 2023, it is about more than ten billion euros relief.

In percentage terms, low earners are therefore relieved much more than top earners - but in absolute numbers it looks different.

Politicians from the coalition partners Greens and SPD see a social imbalance.

FDP parliamentary group leader Christian Dürr, on the other hand, defended his party leader's plans and called for their support.

It is an "important step for more tax justice," Dürr told the German Press Agency.

"The proposed measures are a real relief for the broad middle of our society, which keeps our state and our social security systems running day after day," said Dürr.

"My request to all critics is: to support Christian Lindner's project."