Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) is calling for a revision of citizens’ money. “Citizens’ money needs an update. It is not an unconditional basic income,” said Lindner to the Düsseldorf “Rheinische Post”. “We have to do everything we can to ensure that people who can work actually work.” There are many adjustments – from the question of the reasonableness of the work offered to sanctions to work opportunities such as one-euro jobs.
Lindner was of the opinion that the majority of the population perceived the citizens’ benefit as unfair because it contained too few incentives to take up work. “It is a contribution to social peace to correct undesirable developments here,” said the Finance Minister. “I also hear that behind closed doors from social democratic leaders. So let’s do it.”
At the same time, Lindner defended himself against criticism from the SPD and the Greens about the tax relief he planned. “If social benefits are adjusted to price developments, then the same must apply to taxes for the working population,” he said. “There is no hesitation among our coalition partners in increasing citizens’ money, but the simple inflation compensation for specialists and managers as well as for medium-sized businesses is being fought.”
Lindner: The SPD and the Greens lack respect for taxpayers
Lindner told “Bild” that his coalition partners lacked respect for taxpayers. It’s not just low-income earners who deserve fairness. “The performance of specialists and managers as well as medium-sized companies must also be recognized. Treating these people as mere pack mules takes away their desire to perform.”
Lindner wants to increase the basic allowance for wage and income tax retroactively to January 1, 2024. In an interview with the dpa, he also promised changes to income tax for 2025 and 2026. Then the so-called cold progression must be balanced out again. This refers to the effect of high inflation on income tax, which would ultimately lead to a secret tax increase.
