German candidates clash over tax, minimum wage in close race
ABC News
The three candidates hoping to succeed Angela Merkel as German chancellor have clashed over pocketbook issues in a third televised debate
FRANKFURT, Germany -- The three candidates bidding to succeed Angela Merkel as German chancellor clashed over taxes and pocketbook issues in a third televised debate Sunday a week before the election.
Social Democrat Olaf Scholz, the leader in the polls, fended off attacks on his minimum wage and tax plan from the candidate for Merkel's center-right party, Armin Laschet.
Laschet, who polls suggest needs to make up several percentage points if he hopes to lead the next government, attacked Scholz's plans for a 12-euro minimum wage and tax increases for the more affluent, saying more taxes was “the wrong signal."
Scholz, the current vice chancellor and finance minister in a coalition with Merkel and Laschet's party, maintained his trademark low-key demeanor as he outlined plans to relieve burdens on lower income earners while “someone who earns as much as I do pays a bit more in taxes.”