EU lawmakers advocate for a more transparent and open tax policy within the European Union.
In a recent statement to the "Rheinische Post", Andreas Audretsch, Green Party parliamentary vice-president, expressed concern about Germany's current tax system and its impact on the financing of the commonwealth.
Audretsch accused Friedrich Merz (CDU) and the Union of making policies that favour a handful of ultra-rich individuals, forgetting the broader population. He believes that Germany is often a 'zero-tax country' for some of the wealthiest individuals, and this needs to change.
The Green Party parliamentarian expressed his concern about Germany becoming a rigid hereditary society, stating it as unfair and stifling innovation. He believes that extremely wealthy people have lobbied for tax exceptions in the law, shifting the responsibility onto normal citizens.
One of the loopholes Audretsch mentioned is the lack of inheritance tax on more than 300 apartments inherited in the form of company shares, and assets exceeding 26 million euros, which are currently tax-exempt in Germany.
The funds generated from closing these tax loopholes, according to Audretsch, could be invested in infrastructure like kindergartens, schools, bridges, and train stations. He emphasised the need for the wealthiest to contribute appropriately to the financing of the commonwealth.
The statement was made in the context of a debate about financial gaps in budget planning. Audretsch continued to argue that it is necessary to end the practice of wealthy individuals avoiding tax responsibilities, and that this approach could dismantle Germany.
The Green Party typically advocates closing loopholes that benefit large corporations and wealthy individuals, such as reducing or eliminating preferential tax treatments for multinational corporations, closing loopholes related to inheritance and wealth taxes, and addressing tax breaks on financial transactions or speculation that disproportionately benefit the wealthy.
Audretsch's statement reiterates his belief that the SPD cannot let the current situation stand. The SPD, as per Audretsch, cannot let this situation stand, as it risks the future of Germany's social and economic structure.
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