Majority Of Germans Favour Tax Cuts According To Poll

by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels

13 May 2009

According to a recent opinion poll, almost two thirds of German voters favour the implementation of tax reductions before the end of the financial crisis – an election course currently being steered by the leadership of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union party.

The survey reveals that 63% of those Germans questioned supported Merkel’s proposal to introduce tax cuts during the economic downturn, while 33% rejected the idea.

When then asked what the government’s priority should be once the economy recovers, however, 67% expressed their belief that the reduction of state debt should be a priority, while only a minority of 28% cited tax cuts.

Curiously, although the vast majority of those interviewed supported the Union’s plans to cut taxes, the party nevertheless failed to gain support this month, sliding by 2 points to 39%, while the Social Democrats (SPD) gained 3 points, rising to 30%.

Regarding the bid to become the new German Chancellor, Angela Merkel increased her lead this month over rival SPD candidate Frank-Walter Steinmeier, receiving 54% of the votes as opposed to 31%.

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