Reduced Taxes Advocated, Increase Not Supported (South)

Lesser Taxes Prioritized Over Tax Hikes in the South - Lower Taxes Remain the Priority: No Increase Proposed

German Politics: CSU Leader Markus Söder Rules Out Tax Increases for 2027

In a significant development, CSU leader Markus Söder has categorically ruled out any tax increases for 2027. Söder, who gave Merz's foreign policy performance an "A with a star in the first half of the year," expressed his commitment to reducing taxes and levies, with a focus on the middle class and employees.

During his interview in Berlin's government district, Söder called for reforms to the citizen's money, a significant reduction in the heat law, and a cut of at least 50% in the heat pump subsidy. He criticized previous SPD chairmen for proposing tax increases to improve poll numbers, but made no mention of the current SPD leader, Lars Klingbeil.

Klingbeil, who has not ruled out higher taxes for top earners and the wealthy, has been a proponent of such a move. However, many SPD politicians, including Klingbeil, have in the past 20 years proposed tax increases, particularly targeting high earners and the "super-rich" individuals, with calls for raising the top income tax rate and introducing stronger wealth taxation.

The Union, on the other hand, opposes Klingbeil's proposal for higher taxes for top earners and the wealthy. Söder, in his criticism of tax increases, also stated that a wealth tax has legal and practical problems and burdens medium-sized businesses.

The debate over taxes has been a contentious issue, with Söder demanding a broad reduction in taxes and levies. Meanwhile, another police intervention occurred during Söder's interview, involving protesters affiliated with the far-right scene.

Söder's summer interview, recorded without disruption according to ARD, also saw him expressing dissatisfaction with the energy tax debate and the dispute over the judges' election. Despite these challenges, Söder reiterated his stance that there will be "definitely no tax increases" with the CSU in 2027.