Debate about tax evasion in Germany

Klaus Zumwinkel, chief executive of Deutsche Post, has stepped down because of charges of tax evasion. Allegedly, he slipped a million Euros past the treasury, depositing the money in Liechtenstein. The coming days will see investigations of other suspects. This scandal will prompt profound change in Germany, suggests Birgit Baumann: "Tax evasion is considered a peccadillo. So many people do it, it can't be so bad. But now we see that the state is hitting back hard, and even the rich can't escape. Ever since the Red-Green labour market reforms, recipients of state transfer payments must strip to their underwear to reveal their financial figures. They'll be checked closely to be sure everything is on the up and up. It is only right to ensure that those on the sunny side of the street are obeying the law."

» full article (external link, German)
More from the press review on the subject » Domestic Policy, » Tax Policy, » Germany
All available articles from » Birgit Baumann

» To the complete press review of Monday, February 18, 2008