I believe that global challenges require global responses.
Therefore, a key priority in the field of international taxation is precisely to establish fair and effective taxation on a global scale. I fully support the ongoing process at the OECD level which aims to solve the growing challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy and to reach an agreement for this summer. As you know, together with the French Minister of Finance, Bruno Le Maire, we have continuously promoted a global minimum tax for businesses, a key element for a global compromise. I am confident that through this initiative we will be able to put an end to the aggressive tax planning strategies of multinationals. We are still debating the precise rate of a minimum tax rate, but the recent announcement by the US for an increase in its minimum national tax to 21% has certainly changed the debate and will help us agree on more effective and valid rules. . Furthermore, a global agreement must ensure that multinational corporations pay an adequate fee, regardless of their physical presence in various jurisdictions. In the coming months, we have a historic opportunity to achieve a major international tax reform with a strong base of consensus – and we are now as close as ever to this goal. Multilateralism is the only possible way to solve the challenges current effectively. Together, we will be able to create a modern, sustainable and fair international tax system. I am convinced that we will be able to do it.
There are other challenges that need to be addressed, this time with solutions Europe: the fight against climate change and digitalisation. Is Europe ambitious enough on these fronts?
First of all, I am pleased that the recent decision by the Federal Constitutional Court has given a decisive impetus to the coalition of our government to find an agreement to amplify our efforts for climate protection. We are moving forward now to adopt an even more ambitious climate protection law. The goal is to achieve climate neutrality in Germany by 2045. The draft law sets a target for greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced by 65% in 2030 compared to 1990 levels, with an intermediate goal of one 88% CO2 cut by 2040. I would add that in my opinion the European Union is heading in the right direction to increase its ambitions in the fight against climate change. The European Council and the European Parliament have reached an important interim political agreement on the climate law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels by 2030. Other measures will be taken as part of the “Fit for 55” package to implement the European climate law. We will have to find the right balance of measures to achieve this. Taxation policy is one of the tools in our toolbox, but there is also the price of CO2 and other regulatory tools. Greater international cooperation will also be essential in the fight against climate change.
She is vice-chancellor, a post she held in the pandemic managing one of the worst crises for Germany since the postwar period. What’s the situation now? You are also the candidate for the chancellery of the Social Democratic Party SPD. What is your program for the future of your country?
The rate of infections is decreasing in Germany and this gives us hope. The lockdown, the extensive use of tampons, the vaccination campaign that is going on in a powerful way, all this is helping to put the infections under control, at least for the moment. We are not yet at the end, but we can reach the finish line. However, even if we manage to dominate the pandemic this summer, many citizens and businesses will still need support this year, and they will. I made it clear from the start of the pandemic: we will give aid as long as the restrictive measures remain in place.