Lars Klingbeil, the leader of the SPD, said that a comprehensive income‑tax reform must be a core condition in the government’s talks with the Union. “There will be no reform package for us that does not include this” he told the NTV programme “Pinar Atalay” on Monday. The aim is to give real relief to people earning around 3,000 to 4,000 euros a month, while also making top earners in the country shoulder more responsibility.
He pointed to rising everyday costs and growing uncertainty for many workers. “Life has become more expensive for ordinary people in this country” he explained. “Sometimes it is enough that a washing machine breaks down to push many into financial distress”. Because of this, the SPD will conduct “very tough negotiations” with the Union. “We want to ensure that those who labour every day have more money in their pockets – and that is what we will fight for”.
Despite the so‑called “catastrophic” election results, Klingbeil insisted that Chancellor Merkel should not worry about his coalition partner. “I didn’t have the impression that he was concerned about me” he said. “It would be nice if he did – it would be humane. But there is no need for him to worry about me”. He added that the government now has a “difficult job to accomplish” referring to the reform package.