“Tax law knows no under- and no over-profits, only profits,” said Lindner to the “stern”. “These are heavily taxed in Germany in international comparison.”
Official figures for the situation in Germany are not available at the moment, also due to tax secrecy, Lindner continues: “In the heavily discussed area of mineral oil, the parent companies have their headquarters abroad.”
Lindner warned in a “Spiegel” interview in May that an excess profit tax “would also affect the manufacturers of vaccines, wind and solar power plants or semiconductors”. But they made profits because they eliminated shortages thanks to their skills. “I don’t want to take away any impetus from all of them to produce more,” he emphasized.
Liberals are united on this issue. FDP faction leader Christian Dürr also rejects an excess profit tax. “The companies that are making profits as a result of the crisis also include wind power manufacturers and vaccine producers,” Dürr told the “stern”. Anyone who punishes such companies with an excess profit tax risks losing them abroad. “Tax increases during the crisis would be poison for Germany as a business location,” said Dürr.
Green leader Ricarda Lang, who initiated the debate a month ago, reiterated her demand in “stern”. “The current price increases, especially in the energy sector, are a significant burden for consumers and also for many medium-sized companies,” she said. While some were wondering how to pay for the next tank of fuel, others made record profits thanks to the crisis. “The excess profit tax would be a logical step,” said Lang.
The party’s vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Boris Johnson has failed. In the end, only 148 MPs voted against Johnson, with 211 voting to continue to have faith in Johnson. This means that he can retain the party leadership and subsequently also the office of prime minister.
Gunhilde Köhler is 74 years old, retired and has now sued the federal government. The reason: the 300 euros energy flat rate that all employees get – but not pensioners.
The rising prices are becoming more and more noticeable and are leaving their mark accordingly. In April, the strongest sales slump ever measured was recorded in the food trade. The trade assumes that low-income people in particular can afford less.
