Germans Making €300,000 Are in the Tax Spotlight: Chris Bryant

After six years of economic stagnation, Germany’s politicians are slowly waking up to the need for comprehensive reform. Unfortunately, the country’s polarized politics and extreme wealth inequality makes agreeing on radical measures to delay retirement and curb welfare spending acutely difficult.

The window of opportunity is narrow. The far-right opposition Alternative for Germany is capitalizing on a pervasive sense of crisis and extending its poll lead. This could be the final chance for centrist parties to attempt renewal.

Modernizing the economy and overhauling social security requires a grand bargain. Everyone must make concessions, including Germany’s wealthy. But first Germans need to agree on who ...