According to SPD chancellor candidate Olaf Scholz and Greens co-leader Robert Habeck, the relief of small and medium incomes through a tax reform is only possible with increasing tax revenues.

Both politicians said on the ARD show “Anne Will” on Sunday that without the tax increases prevented by the FDP there would be no room for maneuver.

One will now see in the next four years what possibilities there are still.

At the same time, Scholz was convinced that the Federal Constitutional Court would not overturn the remaining solidarity allowance for higher earners.

He is "as sure as you can be in court".

Habeck expressed himself more cautiously and pointed out that one had to wait for a decision from Karlsruhe.

Should the solos have to be completely abolished, experts expect a billion hole in tax revenue.

"Tie" on financial matters

"In this respect, there is not much movement in the area of ​​financial policy, which includes taxes, you have to honestly say that," said Habeck of the traffic light talks about tax reform. In the area of ​​tax burdens and reliefs, the exploratory process between the three parties is "virtually undecided". Because of the FDP and also the Union, constitutional changes to the debt brake are not possible, so that the scope is limited by new borrowing. In return, the FDP was unable to lower corporate taxes.

However, Scholz and Habeck referred to other agreed reforms and emphasized that, for example, the planned abolition of the EEG surcharge would also relieve private individuals and thus offset additional costs for higher energy prices.

Scholz spoke of an amount of 300 euros for a family of four.

He also referred to the planned increase in the minimum wage to twelve euros and the agreed increase in the limits of so-called midi jobs, from which lower incomes would benefit in particular.

Energy costs: Trittin for a higher basic tax allowance

In the concrete coalition negotiations with the SPD and FDP, the Greens are calling for an increase in housing benefits and the tax-free subsistence level to compensate for the sharp rise in energy prices. The former Federal Environment Minister Jürgen Trittin, who negotiates the areas of climate and energy for the Greens, told the broadcaster Bild TV on Sunday evening: "Personally, I am of the opinion that we do indeed have to do something about housing benefits and the question of the tax exemption" .

Measures in these areas are "targeted and that helps those who are affected by rising energy prices and who cannot put up with it," said Trittin.

If it is possible to form a traffic light coalition by the beginning of December, the aid could come into force on January 1, 2022.

Trittin told the broadcaster that he was assuming that just by raising housing benefits, "for many over the year, probably more than 100 euros" will come out.

The Green politician rejected a reduction in energy taxes: “First of all, there is no guarantee that prices will actually fall as a result.

And secondly, you reach people who don't need it. ”In addition, this maximizes the“ loss of income that the state has at this point ”.

That is "expensive, inefficient and socially unjust".

Trittin expressed skepticism about an increase in the commuter allowance.

This would relieve those “who drive a lot and have an above-average income”.

He thinks it is "precise and correct" to make aid dependent on the level of income, as the French also do.

By the way, pensioners would have “nothing at all from the commuter flat rate because they just don't commute,” Trittin told the broadcaster.

The increase in the tax-free subsistence level and the basic allowance help pensioners, however.

This also applies to the housing benefit if they are tenants.