(de-news.net) – Jens Spahn, Chair of the CDU/CSU faction in the Bundestag, has sharply criticized Lars Klingbeil, Federal Minister of Finance and leader of the SPD, for declining to rule out potential tax increases in the context of Germany’s fiscal deficit. Spahn is said to have underscored that such measures are absent from the coalition agreement, notwithstanding the minister’s apparent endorsement of rigorous austerity policies. He argued that, given historically high tax revenues and unprecedented levels of national debt, the public is justified in expecting comprehensive evaluations of government expenditures and the implementation of fiscal restraint.

Similar remarks were allegedly made by Alexander Hoffmann, head of the CSU parliamentary group, who advocated prioritizing governmental efficiency over debates concerning tax hikes. Martin Huber, CSU General-Secretary, reaffirmed, on his part, that his party will adhere to the coalition agreement, maintaining that no provision has been made therein for additional taxation measures.

Lars Klingbeil, in remarks delivered on Wednesday, is said to have emphasized that due to substantial institutional challenges facing all ministerial departments, all fiscal instruments must remain viable from 2027 onward. However, he is believed to have stressed the essential role of economic growth in achieving fiscal consolidation, alongside a more rigorous evaluation of the effectiveness of public expenditure.