(de-news.net) – During the 2026 budget announcement, Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) stressed that any possible reductions to the welfare state must be supplemented by increased contributions from those who are especially wealthy. “The objective is a fair overall package,” he said in a speech to the Berlin “Parliamentary Left.” Klingbeil cautioned that a financing gap surpassing €30 billion in 2027 will require a combination of measures to close, even while the 2026 budget, with expected expenditures of almost €520 billion, is still regarded as stable.

The IG Metall union and industry groupings are demanding comprehensive reforms in tandem with the budget debate. Helena Melnikov, managing director of DIHK, promotes immediate and long-lasting assistance for enterprises and residents in order to boost the labor market. She contends that reducing the national debt requires economic growth. Steffen Kampeter, the CEO of the BDA, agrees that reform is necessary and advocates for a package focused on the future to bolster the welfare state and the economy. In order to rebuild public confidence and governmental capability, IG Metall Chairwoman Christiane Benner calls for the very affluent to make larger financial contributions through wealth and inheritance taxes.