According to a media report, the five economic wise men advise the federal government in their current report to temporarily demand a higher top tax rate or an energy bonus for higher earners. The economists wanted to make the relief packages against inflation more social and affordable, the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" reported on Tuesday. Accordingly, the economists are also pleading for longer lifetimes for nuclear power plants.
"The previous measures, such as the tank discount, were often not very targeted and also benefited the higher income groups to a large extent," the newspaper quoted from the report, which is to be presented on Wednesday. Instead, if possible, only households that cannot cope with the energy prices should be relieved - especially citizens with little money who "spend a significantly higher proportion of their income on rent and groceries than households with higher incomes".
In addition, "partial financing through a strictly limited increase in the top tax rate or an energy solidarity surcharge for higher earners could be considered," according to the report in the annual report.
According to the report, the economists reject the tax plans of Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP), who wants to compensate for the cold progression: Although it is fundamentally necessary to compensate for the cold progression. "In the current situation, in which relief for lower income groups in particular appears necessary and the situation in public finances remains tense, it would be advisable to postpone this compensation to a later date."
In the case of nuclear power, the economic experts write: "An extension of the term beyond April 15, 2023 would help to relax the electricity market." According to TÜV Süd, there are no safety concerns about continuing to operate the Isar 2 nuclear power plant: "Against this background, the federal government should carefully examine whether it is possible to extend the service life beyond April 15."
At the same time, however, the Council of Economic Experts makes it clear that it sees the future in renewable energies: In order to "accelerate their expansion and quickly end the temporary use of coal and nuclear power plants, regulatory uncertainties for investors should be avoided," the economists recommend, according to the report "South German".
