DIE LINKE stands in solidarity with the Chancellor
The Chancellor must enforce the financial transaction tax even against the opposition of a dissolving liberal party (FDP), declares the party chair of DIE LINKE, Gesine Lötzsch:
The Chancellor now apparently wants to eventually enforce the financial transaction tax in Europe even in spite of the opposition of the FDP. In doing so she has our fullest support. The Chancellor has to free herself from the dissolving FDP, if she wants to save Europe and avoid the collapse of the European Union.
The FDP hypocritically pretends to agree to a financial transaction tax, if such a tax would be implemented in the 27 EU member states. But it is clear that Great Britain will not agree to a financial transaction tax. The attempt to hide behind the British is more than embarrassing.
The argument of the FDP, that this tax would strengthen the financial market of London at our expense, can be rebutted. The Austrian Institute of Economic Research suggested that this tax has to apply to all people irrespective of the financial market and could be collected by the revenue offices. Thus it would not matter for the German or Spanish investor, if they trade in London or Frankfurt, the tax has to be paid in any case.
DIE LINKE notes nonetheless, that a financial transaction tax alone cannot solve the financial crisis. Those who think that by adjusting just one screw, the European engine will run again have not fully grasped the complexity of the problem. Most of all, we now need European-wide solidarity. Those who leave Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Italy to their fate will themselves fail. A Europe united in solidarity is better for everyone.