The LSAP and the Greens welcomed the tripartite measures, designed to support households and businesses amid the ongoing global crises, but asked how the government planned to finance them. They pointed out the government has already decided upon tax reform and increased defence spending, both of which put additional pressures on their coffers.
The LSAP's Yves Cruchten said it was time to give serious thought to state finances. Both his party and the Left say there are ways to generate more revenue, but claim that the CSV and DP do not want to have that discussion. The Greens' Meris Sehovic accused the government of being too hasty with its plans for tax reforms.
The ADR was the most critical with regard to the tripartite agreement, saying the state should not have to finance everything. MP Alexandra Schoos asked if an additional increase to the minimum wage was even necessary, as the adjustment to wage development represents one or two index tranches. Even if the government takes over a portion of the increase via tax credit, it would ultimately be financed by households and businesses through their taxes, she argued. She also asked what effect the increase would have on employees earning just slightly over the minimum wage.
The LSAP declared itself satisfied with the increase in minimum wage as it corresponded to their demands. The Left's Marc Baum, however, said the increase was punctual, rather than structural.
