Hesse's leader rejects inheritance tax hikes, pushes for broader relief

Ahead of CDU Federal Party Conference, Hesse's Minister-President Boris Rhein Calls for Early Corporate Tax Cut

Hesse's leader rejects inheritance tax hikes, pushes for broader relief

"Ahead of the planned reduction in corporate tax set for early 2028, we should bring it forward by a year if financially feasible," Hesse's Minister-President and state CDU leader Boris Rhein told Focus news magazine.

"Beyond that, we must cut electricity taxes for everyone. And we should move as quickly as possible to lower income taxes for low- and middle-income earners," Rhein added.

The minister-president firmly rejected proposals to reform inheritance tax in a way that would increase the burden on some heirs. "We absolutely do not need higher inheritance taxes. I understand why the SPD, facing five state elections next year, is dusting off this old idea again," he said. "But in the middle of a severe economic crisis, this would send entirely the wrong signal."

Rhein dismissed concerns about "idle heirs" who inherit wealth without effort. "The real issue isn't lazy beneficiaries—it's that the SPD's plans would hit countless family businesses, forcing them to sell off their companies just to pay the inheritance tax. Or, in many cases, they'd simply have to shut down."

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