Franziska Brantner, the Green party’s leader, sharply criticized the proposal by CDU faction boss Jens Spahn, who suggested financing a tax reform through blanket cuts to subsidies and tax benefits. Speaking to the broadcaster “Welt” on Tuesday, Brantner stated that setting priorities is inherently a job for the government, adding pointedly that, “It seems this government is unable to do that”. She dismissed the idea of making generalized cuts-like suggesting a flat five percent reduction for everyday spending-calling it a “sign of poverty”. She stressed that the government’s primary duty is to exercise proper prioritization.
Before the start of the coalition committee meeting, Brantner urged the governing coalition to end its internal disputes and finally put a comprehensive reform agenda in place. According to Brantner, the current focus must be on rallying together to develop major reform packages that demand contributions from all parties. She asserted that the coalition must focus on the country’s overall needs rather than concentrating solely on the interests of the SPD or the CDU. The Green leader concluded by demanding that the coalition must overcome the deepening political crisis together.