(de-news.net) – Federal Finance Minister Lindner (FDP) has come under criticism for his proposals for a reorientation of economic policy. Instead of throwing papers onto the market, decisions that have been made must be implemented, said pension expert Machalet (SPD) after the FDP chairman had written a policy paper on economic policy. For example, the second pension package must be brought through the Bundestag. Lindner had confirmed the proposed legislation to be approvable and now had to communicate this to the Liberal faction, Machalet stressed. Without the full pension reform, the question is how the coalition agreement can continue to function, she added. The FDP had justified their criticism in that young people would be overly burdened by having the exact same pension level for many years to come.
SPD General Secretary Miersch had urged the coalition partners to work together “constructively and solution-oriented” to stabilize Germany as a business location, and SPD Bundestag member Schmid dismissed Lindner’s statements as “neoliberal, empty phrases”. Lindner was yet to provide answers in some respects, and when it came to specifics, the paper was not practical. The Green Party’s deputy parliamentary group leader Audretsch called Lindner’s proposals a “smokescreen” and far removed from reality. It is more important for Lindner to take care of the upcoming budget, he suggested.
In the policy paper on an “economic turnaround with a partially fundamental revision of key political decisions”, Lindner did not question the pension package II. He calls for numerous immediate measures, namely the abolition of the solidarity surcharge, a reduction in corporate tax, and questions the Collective Bargaining Act, the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, the Wage Transparency Act, the Employee Data Act, the employer-financed family start-up period and the national climate targets in his 18-page paper. Ongoing legislative proposals are to be subjected to substantial changes in order to relieve the burden on the German industry as well as small and medium-sized businesses, according to Lindner. These need financial and regulatory leeway. The solidarity surcharge should be reduced by 2.5 percentage points to 3 percent in 2025. In a second step, it could be completely eliminated in 2027. Corporate tax should be reduced by two percent in 2025.
In order to effectively reduce bureaucracy, Lindner proposes an “immediate moratorium to stop all regulations.” On climate protection, Lindner writes: “It does not help climate protection if Germany, as a supposed global pioneer, tries to make its economy climate-neutral as quickly as possible and consequently with avoidable economic damage and political upheaval.” With the aim of putting “the willigness of individuals to perform” in the economy back at the center, Lindner wants to extend working hours, reduce sick leave and achieve a longer working life.
After Stern magazine reported on the paper, Lindner complained about this indiscretion. The document was initially only discussed in the closest circles of the Federal Government. FDP finance politician Schäffler came to Lindner’s aid: The Liberals stand for a correction of economic policy. After the publication of Lindner’s proposals, financial scientist Prinz consented, albeit mainly criticizing the “disproportionately high” bureaucracy in Germany, which prevents investments.
Thorsten Koch
