Greens advocate for universal contribution – contesting Linnemann's proposal of family division
The Green party has critiqued the family splitting idea proposed by the CDU's General Secretary, Carsten Linnemann, advocating instead for a more equitable tax policy. Linnemann's endorsement of family splitting, as expressed in an ARD interview, is perceived as detrimental to equality and work incentives, according to parliamentary Vice-President Andreas Audretsch in a statement to the AFP news agency.
Audretsch expressed concerns that increasing tax allowances for children would not necessarily remove barriers for working women. He suggested that such a policy would cater primarily to the affluent, potentially trapping women in part-time employment.
The traditional marital splitting tax scheme, currently criticized for disproportionately benefiting higher-earning spouses, penalizes secondary wage-earners, particularly women with part-time jobs. Linnemann hinted in the ARD show "Caren Miosga" that family splitting is a popular opinion within the CDU. In response, Audretsch stated to AFP that family taxation needs to be made more equitable to offer greater support to lower-income families.
To rectify this, the Greens propose the implementation of a transferable basic allowance for newly married couples, intended to supersede marital splitting and its detrimental effects. This system would enable partners to share tax benefits or income allowances, making it less punitive for second and part-time earners. The Greens argue that this approach would alleviate obstacles preventing women from increasing their work hours, helping them escape the part-time trap.
By fostering financial independence and fairer taxation, the Greens' proposal aims to encourage women's involvement in the workforce, contributing to gender equality in the labor market. This aligns with the Greens' broader goals to modernize family and tax policies to be more inclusive and equitable.
Sources: ntv.de, AFP
- The Green party's community policy emphasizes vocational training and equitable tax policy as solutions to address family-dynamics and relationship issues, such as the family splitting idea critiqued by the CDU's General Secretary.
- This proposed policy could help lower-income families, improve the lives of working women, and potentially reduce the general-news headlines about politics and policy-and-legislation surrounding unequal taxation.
- The implementation of the Greens' transferable basic allowance system for newly married couples could lead to fewer barriers for women in the workforce, ultimately fostering a lifestyle that encourages equal partnership and vocational training opportunities for all.
