CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann rejected a hike in the top marginal tax rate, at least for the lower end of the tax bracket. Speaking to the TV station “Welt” Linnemann stated that an income of 80,000 euros does not constitute wealth. He argued that to noticeably relieve the burden on lower-income earners, at least 10 billion euros would be necessary, funds which could not be raised solely from the top 5 percent of taxpayers. Linnemann claimed that funding this via an increase in income tax-as “Mr. Klingbeil” suggested, raising the rate by over 5 percent to finance a 95 percent relief-would effectively impact nearly the entire middle class and skilled trades. However, he cautioned that doing so would ignite debates about fairness, explaining, “That’s why I oppose a tax increase for someone whose taxable income is 80,000 euros. That’s why I am cautious”. This position contrasts with CDU finance politician Fritz Güntzler, who had previously indicated that a “moderate” increase in the top marginal tax rate could not be ruled out.
Linnemann Rejects Tax Hike for Lower Earners At Top Bracket
