The SPD is considering raising the wealth tax rate and is firmly opposing the scrapping of the Solidarity Surcharge. Speaking to the “Stern”, party general secretary Tim Klüssendorf asserted that, in his view, the wealth tax must be increased by at least two percentage points and potentially implemented sooner, describing the hike as “long overdue”.
This discussion on wealth taxation follows remarks made by CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who signaled openness to a higher wealth tax, but only under specific conditions. Merz told the “Spiegel” that an increase would be feasible if the tax structure at the highest income levels were flattened and the Solidarity Surcharge was scrapped, adding, “This must eventually happen regardless. We should do it before the federal constitutional court forces our hand”. It is worth noting that the Solidarity Surcharge has already been eliminated for ninety percent of paying taxpayers.
However, Klüssendorf strongly rejected the idea of completely abolishing the Solidarity Surcharge. He argued that doing so would be profoundly unjust, threatening to create a tax loophole of nearly 13 billion euros annually. He pointed out that currently, the surcharge is paid only by the wealthiest taxpayers.
Despite disagreeing on the Soli, the SPD general secretary insisted on securing a noticeable relief package for small and medium incomes-a measure recently announced by Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil. Klüssendorf stated that this concession only works if those with the highest incomes contribute more. He added that Minister Klingbeil would soon present a proposal that is also viable in terms of funding. Overall, both ministers agreed that tax redistribution from the very top of income brackets to the bottom is necessary, and this requires raising the wealth tax.