SDP wants 'solidarity tax' on high earners
SDP chair and finance minister Jutta Urpilainen has proposed an additional tax to be levied on those earning more than 100,000 euros annually. Urpilainen says that a solidarity tax to be levied on high-income individuals is an SDP goal in upcoming negotiations over the framework government budget.
Urpilainen told a party event in Vantaa that she does not believe that a solidarity tax would plug all the holes in the state budget, but that it would be an important demonstration of fairness.
The issue has been discussed with other parties for some time, according to Urpilainen. She also pointed out that similar taxes have been implemented in other countries.
Negotiations over the next government budget will be crucial, according to Urpilainen, as they will decide the direction of Finnish economic policy. She admits that savings must be made, but argues that belts shouldn’t be tightened so much that economic growth and employment suffer.
A similar solidarity tax was proposed in the Finns party’s ‘shadow budget’ last autumn. It was nicknamed the ‘Wahlroos tax’ after the free market advocate, polemicist and banker, Björn Wahlroos. YLE estimated then that the ‘Wahlroos tax’ would apply to fewer than 35,000 people out of a tax-paying population of around 1.7 million.
Latest in: News
Itella chops 180 management jobs
The state mail delivery and logistics company launched retrenchment talks in mid-April with the aim of cutting 350 jobs.
Researcher: Bullying should be nipped in the bud
Research shows that small children don’t have an inherent tendency to bully their peers, but learn the practice from others.
Met man: Monster tornado also possible in Finland
A meteorologist and storm chaser says that the kind of tornado that recently killed dozens of people in Oklahoma in the USA, is also possible in Finland. Finland suffered extensive destruction in a series of massive twisters that struck in 1932.
Workers' tax badge rule sees flood of registrations
In an effort to combat illegal labour practices, Finland’s tax authorities introduced a requirement for workers in the construction industry to register by way of individual tax numbers to be displayed on a badge. Authorities say that thousands of new workers are emerging as a result, with tax badges being assigned to carpenters, security guards and even cooks on the same construction site.
Lottery lands toilet tissue company in the can
Finland’s Consumer Ombudsman has taken the manufacturer of the well-known Lotus brand of toilet tissue to court for aggressive marketing. The company has offered consumers who buy its toilet paper a chance to win a 100,000-euro jackpot prize. However the chances of actually winning are paper-thin: just one in 2.4 billion.
Tax badges may be introduced for cleaners, too
This spring, tax badges became obligatory for builders -- and cleaning staff could be next.
Talvivaara mine stains river orange
The mine has been involved in a string of environmental mishaps -- and PR fiascos -- for more than six months.
Moomin ceramics tempt shoplifters
Police say that housewares depicting the denizens of Moominvalley are in high demand -- including among thieves.
Finland ranks mid-table in EU beach cleanliness
Finland ranks among the EU’s top 10 countries when it comes to purity of bathing waters – but just barely.
April unemployment at 8.8%
The unemployment rate in Finland declined slightly in April to 8.8%, down from March, but still higher than a year previously.
Discuss this topic
0 comments
Kiitos! Kommenttisi on lähetetty Yle Uutisten toimitukseen. Julkaisemme kommentteja klo 07-23 välisenä aikana.
Yle Uutisten toimitus lukee kommentit ennen julkaisua. Asiattomia ja hyvien tapojen vastaisia kommentteja ei julkaista. Pitkiä kirjoituksia voidaan lyhentää, muuten kommentit julkaistaan sellaisenaan.
Thank you. Your report has been sent to Yle News. We review the reports between 9 AM and 5 PM.
Yle News will review the comment you reported and will delete it if necessary.