CSU leader Markus Söder stated that the so-called “relief premium” proposed by the SPD is no longer viable. During an ARD broadcast titled “Report from Berlin” on Sunday, he announced that the idea was dead, noting that resistance from the business sector has been considerable since the proposal was made. He revealed that he had believed there had been prior agreements with the economy, but this was clearly not the case.
Looking ahead to the government coalition committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Söder stated that the focus should shift strongly towards income tax reform. He does not anticipate that a major tax reform will be decided, but rather that discussions will center on the general principles and the subsequent procedures, similar to the process used in the health insurance reform.
Given the Union’s weak polling figures nationally, Söder maintains his stance of excluding a coalition with the Greens. He dismissed the possibility outright, stating flatly, “It won’t get better with the Greens”.