Andreas Bovenschulte calls for higher taxes on earners above €120,000 in German tax reform

Bundesratspräsident und Bürgermeister von Bremen, Andreas Bovenschulte (SPD), argued in the ZDF‑Morgenmagazin that people earning €120,000 or more should not receive tax relief and ought to contribute more to public finances. He stated, “Wer 120. 000 Euro oder mehr verdient, der braucht keine Entlastung,” and added, “Wir müssen diejenigen mit sehr hohem Einkommen und sehr hohem Vermögen stärker zur Finanzierung des Gemeinwesens heranziehen.”

The proposed income‑tax reform, slated to begin in 2027, aims to relieve low‑ and middle‑income households while increasing the tax burden on high‑earners. Critics warn that the changes could create billions of euros in short‑falls for states and municipalities, raising political controversy over how the lost revenue will be offset.

Bovenschulte’s stance includes himself, underscoring his personal commitment to the higher‑tax approach for the top‑earning segment of society.