(Gemini Audio)
(de-news.net) – Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) have expressed strong opposition to the SPD’s initiative to eliminate the spousal income splitting system. Media sources indicate that CSU Secretary General Martin Huber emphasized his party’s refusal to support the abolition of the tax arrangement, which he described as a measure that provides financial relief to families. He reportedly advocated for tax reductions rather than increases and cautioned that dismantling the system could amount to a tax hike, potentially unsettling the public and bolstering radicalization.
CDU finance spokesperson Fritz Güntzler is reported to have reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to preserving the current model, citing the party’s policy framework and lack of consensus with the SPD. He rejected claims that the system constitutes a privilege, instead characterizing it as a matter of fairness. Güntzler maintained that marriage involves mutual financial obligations, which, in his view, should be appropriately reflected in tax legislation. Furthermore, Güntzler referred to a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court, which he claimed mandates equal taxation under equivalent conditions. He reportedly criticized the SPD’s persistent reform efforts as politically divisive and warned that abolishing the system would result in financial disadvantages for millions of households.
The SPD has reiterated its call for the system’s termination. Deputy parliamentary chair Wiebke Esdar reportedly argued that the current arrangement discourages women’s full participation in the labor market and favors single-income households. She advocated for reform aimed at addressing inequality, while drawing attention to the links between part-time employment, reduced pension entitlements, and diminished social benefits.
Germany’s spousal income splitting system allows married couples and registered partners to pool their income and be taxed as if each earned half. This often leads to a lower overall tax burden, particularly when one partner earns significantly more than the other. Critics argue that the system reinforces traditional gender roles and undermines women’s financial autonomy by discouraging increased workforce participation.
