A leading figure within the Social Democratic Party (SPD) faction has refuted calls from the conservative Union parties to abandon proposals for a digital tax targeting companies such as Amazon and Google.
Dirk Wiese, the parliamentary managing director of the SPD faction, stated in interviews with RTL and n-tv that large technology corporations frequently avoid their financial responsibilities through minimal tax rates and should therefore be subjected to a greater tax burden. “Those who generate substantial profits can certainly be asked to contribute more” he stated.
Wiese acknowledged that the immediate implementation of a digital tax is currently hindered by ongoing customs negotiations with the United States. However, he emphasized that the debate surrounding such a levy should continue.
He highlighted concerns voiced by numerous businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, who feel disadvantaged by the comparatively low tax obligations of large multinational corporations.
The position contrasts with recent reservations expressed regarding a digital tax by Jens Spahn, the parliamentary group leader of the Union and CDU Economics Minister, Reiche.