The German government is launching 34 major reforms
After lengthy negotiations, Germany’s governing coalition has agreed on a package of 34 reforms covering taxes, pensions, healthcare, the labor market, and the economy.
One of the key changes will be an overhaul of the tax system. Families with children will benefit the most: for example, a family with two children and an annual income of 60,000 euros will be able to save about 600 euros. A new tax rate is also being introduced for the wealthiest citizens—47% on income exceeding 280 thousand euros per year.
Among the most controversial changes is a revision of the rules for obtaining sick leave. Whereas previously a sick note could be obtained remotely, patients will now, in most cases, have to visit their family doctor in person. This initiative has already been criticized by representatives of the Green Party.
The coalition has also agreed on pension reform. Specifically, the plan is to eliminate the option to retire at age 63 and, in the future, tie the retirement age to average life expectancy.
A separate set of reforms is aimed at reducing bureaucracy and stimulating the country’s economic development.
Source: Spiegel.
Later, in the German city of Stade, located in the federal state of Lower Saxony, the death toll from a shooting at a youth welfare center rose to six. Five people—one man and four women—died at the scene, while the sixth victim died later in the hospital from severe injuries.
In the German town of Otterndorf in the federal state of Lower Saxony, police launched an investigation after far-right and neo-Nazi music was played over the official sound system at a local Christmas market.
