Spahn calls for “economic policy change” | tagesschau.de

 Spahn calls for "economic policy change" |  tagesschau.de

According to Union parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn, economic growth in Germany must be the top priority for politics. “We need an economic policy change. Growth must have priority. Everything else must take a back seat,” said Spahn of “Bild am Sonntag”. Specifically, this means: “The electricity tax must go down immediately, investments need faster depreciation.” Only with growth can the Federal Republic, as an aging country, secure prosperity and finance pensions and care.

High burden of taxes and duties

The big problem for every employee is a high burden of taxes and duties. The current level of social security contributions prevents growth and burdens employees and employers. “Contributions to health and long-term care insurance are increasing, pensions are becoming more and more expensive, and unemployment is increasing,” said Spahn. “Meanwhile, more than 1,200 euros in social security contributions have to be paid for a salary of 3,000 euros, more than 40 percent. Where’s the outcry?”

Spahn called for a “load brake” at 40 percent social security contributions. “The traffic light parties should decide on this brake together with the Union and – like the debt brake – anchor it in the Basic Law.” So that this net guarantee for salaries is also permanently observed.

demand for bureaucracy stop in the EU

Spahn is also insisting on relief for income tax. “Performance must be more worthwhile again. Overtime should be tax-free. In addition, a skilled worker with an annual salary of 62,000 euros already pays the top tax rate. In future, it should only apply from 80,000 euros.”

When asked where the money for lower taxes and levies should come from, Spahn said: “In the current situation, tax and levy cuts also indirectly lead to more income. Every percent more economic growth brings tens of billions of euros more in tax revenue.” In Spahn’s view, the German and French governments should implement a bureaucracy freeze in the European Union: “Not a single additional rule from Brussels for the next three years.”

“Break from completely uncontrolled asylum migration”

Spahn also advocated a change of course in migration policy. “Germany needs a break from this completely uncontrolled asylum migration,” he said. “Experience shows that we cannot significantly reduce the numbers through deportations. That’s why we need a clear signal at the EU’s external border: no one can go any further on this path.”

The integration of people traumatized by war or violence into society and the labor market takes time and a lot of resources. “This can only work well if the number of additional asylum seekers decreases significantly.” If the border protection works, Europe could “certainly take in and distribute 300,000 to 500,000 refugees a year via quotas.”

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