German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil of the SPD made clear that he would not disclose whether the black‑red coalition plans to raise the value‑added tax to fill budget gaps. When asked at the editorial network Deutschland, he declined to speculate on individual measures.

Klingbeil added that an increase of the VAT is not part of the coalition agreement. When challenged on the fact that he might have to enact actions outside the pact, he answered simply that the goal is “a fair overall package”.

He highlighted an upcoming income‑tax reform aimed at easing the burden on the “hard‑working middle class”. At the same time, he said the coalition will discuss how extremely high fortunes or incomes could contribute more. “It’s about greater justice” he stressed.