(de-news.net) – Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) has responded with marked displeasure to criticism from the CDU/CSU concerning his recent remarks regarding potential tax increases for affluent individuals and high-income earners. Defending his position, Klingbeil asserted that those possessing substantial financial resources ought to contribute more significantly to the pursuit of social equity, particularly in periods of pronounced economic strain. He further underscored the importance of fostering a more measured and rational public discourse, clarifying that his statements stemmed from deeply held convictions rather than any intent to provoke.

In response to inquiries about whether he would exclude the possibility of increased taxation for top earners amid a projected €30 billion budgetary shortfall, Klingbeil firmly rejected such a notion. He emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive and equitable fiscal strategy, while simultaneously criticizing the opposition’s failure to present viable alternatives. Expressing a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue, he welcomed proposals from CDU figures Jens Spahn and Markus Söder, indicating an openness to collaborative policymaking.

Concurrently, SPD budgetary spokesperson Thorsten Rudolph reiterated the imperative for expenditure reductions across all ministerial departments and advocated for a just distribution of fiscal responsibilities. He condemned the practice of publicly demanding austerity measures from the finance ministry while privately pursuing substantial increases in departmental spending. Reaffirming the SPD’s commitment to both budgetary consolidation and equitable taxation, Rudolph emphasized the party’s objective to alleviate the financial burden on the middle class and to ensure greater accountability from those with the greatest economic means.