The leader of the SPD parliamentary group in the Bundestag, Matthias Miersch, has signaled a potential shift in tax policy, suggesting a redistribution of the tax burden could be on the table Speaking on the “Berlin Playbook” podcast from “Politico Berlin” Miersch addressed the financing of potential tax relief for middle-income earners, potentially including a delayed implementation of the top tax bracket He stated that those with substantial wealth may need to contribute more to fund such measures, framing it as a matter of fairness
Miersch highlighted income tax reform as a viable mechanism to achieve this, emphasizing that “solutions are available everywhere” and asserting the feasibility of such changes if the political will exists He also acknowledged the significant financial challenges ahead, particularly in 2027, describing the nation’s financial planning as a “Herculean task
Regarding social spending, Miersch expressed confidence in its sustainability, stating the focus lies in “how” those expenditures are structured He also defended the strong language used by SPD leader and Labor Minister Bärbel Bas, who recently dismissed comments made by opposition leader Friedrich Merz (CDU) regarding an allegedly overburdened social welfare system Miersch characterized Bas’s response as “entirely appropriate
Looking to improve the governing coalition with the CDU/CSU, Miersch stressed the need for stronger collaboration He characterized the relationship as a “political partnership” that should be built on trust He also noted the benefit of a developing personal rapport with the CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader, Jens Spahn, stating that fostering “a certain human closeness” would be advantageous for collaborative efforts