Chancellor Friedrich Merz has ruled out tax increases several times: before the election, after the election and in the coalition agreement. This very promise is now in question. For FOCUS online chief correspondent Ulrich Reitz, this would be more than just a political correction, it’s about credibility.

Why Merz still gives in

Reitz sees the cause primarily in the Chancellor’s political calculations: The CDU is not pulling through because Merz says: “My chancellorship is the decisive criterion.”

In doing so, he subordinates political commitments to his own perspective of power and makes compromises that he had previously ruled out.

Debt policy is an additional burden

Added to this is dealing with new debts. Reitz refers to shifts between the core budget and special funds proven by economic institutes and expresses fundamental criticism. The state is “the worst investor you can ever imagine.” The result is increasing debts and growing interest burdens, which at some point will no longer be manageable.

In the end, citizens pay

Reitz makes it clear who bears the consequences: “The interest is not paid by Mr. Klingbeil personally or by Mr. Merz. We pay the interest.”

This means that the financial development will be directly noticeable for citizens – and will further increase the pressure on politicians.