Small businesses avoid tax hikes, according to Merz's statement

In a speech at a CDU Lower Saxony party conference in Osnabrück, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his concerns about the current state of the social system, stating that it is no longer financially sustainable with the current economic achievements.

Merz acknowledged that efforts have been made to improve the situation, including the initiation of a new migration policy and impulses for an economic turnaround. However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the current achievements.

The CDU leader ruled out any additional income tax for mid-sized companies in Germany, reiterating the need for social policy realignment. He urged for improved coalition communication, stating that both the SPD and his own party should communicate with each other instead of talking over each other.

Meanwhile, the SPD cooperates in coalition with Bündnis 90/Die Grünen (the Green Party) and has not ruled out higher taxes for top earners and the wealthy. The push for higher taxes was initiated by the SPD, with the SPD chairman making this statement in an interview with ZDF last week.

Merz, however, did not express any new opinions about additional income tax for mid-sized companies, higher taxes for top earners and the wealthy, or dissatisfaction with the current government's work. He also did not mention any new migration policy or economic turnaround impulses.

Instead, Merz called for a demonstration that changes and reforms are possible. He wished for an SPD that continues the shared path "migration-critically and industry-friendly." The context provided does not mention any play-off semi-finals, gift distribution, or VfB Stuttgart games.