The Green Party has voiced criticism of the governing coalition’s budgetary priorities, urging a reconsideration of certain spending commitments. In an interview, Green Party parliamentary group leader Katharina Dröge called for the elimination of what she described as politically motivated expenditures, specifically citing planned increases to maternity pensions, commuter allowances and agricultural diesel subsidies.
Dröge argued that increased revenue could be generated through more effective measures to combat tax avoidance and evasion, providing resources to address budgetary shortfalls. She also advocated for a reform of inheritance tax laws, pointing to current exemptions for substantial inherited wealth – including cases involving large property portfolios or inheritances exceeding 26 million euros – as a significant inequity.
Addressing rising healthcare contributions, Dröge proposed short-term increases in government subsidies for health and long-term care insurance. While acknowledging the need for efficiency improvements within the healthcare system, she reiterated the Green Party’s long-term goal of achieving greater fairness and solidarity through a universal citizen’s insurance system, encompassing both privately and publicly insured individuals and requiring contributions from high-net-worth individuals.
Regarding pension funding, Dröge emphasized the importance of boosting revenue through increased employment, particularly among women and facilitating skilled worker immigration. She also proposed extending pension insurance coverage to currently excluded groups, such as members of parliament and self-employed individuals without alternative pension provisions.