Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Prime Minister, Manuela Schwesig (SPD), sharply criticized the federal government for its unsuccessful attempt to push through a €1,000 “relief premium” without first consulting the individual German states. Speaking on ARD’s “Caren Miosga” on Sunday, Schwesig called the effort “unprofessional” and presented it as an example of a breakdown in German governance. She stated that she had received no notice of the preliminary measures when the meeting took place in the Villa Borsig. According to Schwesig, handling such a massive issue requires more than just a meeting involving a select few, arguing that at least a conference of the state prime ministers, alongside the involvement of social partners, would have been necessary beforehand.
Echoing the advice previously given by Bavaria’s Minister-President, Markus Söder (CSU), Schwesig recommended that the federal government abandon pursuit of the relief premium, for instance, through debate in the mediation committee. Instead, she strongly advocated for an overhaul of the income tax system, particularly insisting on lower tax rates for people with low incomes. Schwesig concluded by emphasizing that the current situation demands a comprehensive, large-scale package of reforms.