Meretz rules out tax increases
Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) firmly stated that there will be no tax increases during his tenure. In a summer interview with ZDF, he emphasized that the current coalition agreement clearly states that taxes will not be raised. He said: "We agreed in the coalition contract not to increase taxes, and this contract is in effect."
His statements directly contradicted what Lars Klingbeil (SPD) recently said, indicating that imposing additional taxes on the wealthy should not be ruled out. Merz clarified that neither he nor Markus Söder (CSU) signed any agreement allowing such measures. He added that the Social Democratic Party has the right to express its opinion, but the Christian Democratic Union CDU/CSU will remain committed to its firm stance on taxes.
Mertz rejected the idea that these disagreements represent a "clash" within the coalition, pointing out that differences are natural and part of the governing process. He said, "We are not looking for what divides us, but for what enables us to govern responsibly together." However, he acknowledged the discontent within his parliamentary bloc due to the failure to elect Judge Frauke Brußius-Gersdorf, confirming that the vote will be repeated in the fall.
Regarding foreign policy, Meretz excluded sending ground troops to Ukraine, emphasizing that such discussions are not currently on the table. He explained that talks are now focused on potential security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire. He acknowledged that he still hopes for a truce soon, but he is realistic about the difficulty of that.
As for the war in Ukraine in general, Mertz warned that the conflict could last a long time, emphasizing that Kyiv's surrender is not an option. He explained that Ukraine's defeat would only encourage Russia to target other countries later. He said: "The war could end tomorrow if Ukraine surrenders, but then another country would be next, and eventually it would be us. This is not an option."