【环球时报驻德国特约记者 青木】日前，德国养老金改革方案中争议最大的部分在议会获得通过。该 法案涉及小幅提高退休人员的养老金，直接关系到德国2100万退休人员的福祉，同时也影响着所有缴纳 养老金和税款的民众，并预示着公共部门更为沉重的融资负担。德国社会各界普遍忧虑，这项改革将如 何影响德国经济的未来。德国《商报》5日对此报道称："随着法案的通过，一个巨大的问题随之而来： 德国人民究竟面临着怎样的风险？" 据德国电视一台报道，方案获得通过后，德国总理默茨承诺将进一步改革。"这并非我们养老金政策的 终结，而仅仅是开始。"他说。联合政府最早将于明年提出一项全面的养老金改革方案。他承诺："我们 的福利国家将继续保持财政可持续性，高效运作，并对所有世代公平。" 然而德国《图片报》指出，据推算，该养老金改革方案获得通过后，联邦预算到2040年将因此额外支出 2330亿欧元。联邦政府目前的中期财政规划只持续到 2029年。而在此期间，预算中也已存在约1700 亿 欧元的财政缺口。 专家警告称，昂贵的养老金计划出台可能意味着更高的税收。"养老金改革方案很可能最终不得不通过 提高税收来弥补中期损失。"欧洲经济研究中心院长阿希姆 ...

Economic Overview - After two years of growth driven by military spending related to the Ukraine war, Russia's economy is now slowing, with declining oil revenues and an increasing budget deficit [1] - The Kremlin is looking to ordinary citizens and small businesses to stabilize its finances [1] Tax Increases - A proposed increase in value-added tax (VAT) from 20% to 22% is expected to generate up to 1 trillion rubles (approximately $12.3 billion) for the state budget, effective from January 1 [2] - The legislation also lowers the VAT collection threshold for businesses from 60 million rubles ($739,000) to 10 million rubles ($123,000) by 2028, targeting tax avoidance schemes [2] Impact on Small Businesses - The new VAT regulations will affect previously exempt businesses, including corner stores and beauty salons, potentially leading to financial strain [3][2] - Concerns have been raised that the requirement for small businesses to collect VAT may lead to closures, resulting in lower budget revenues instead of the intended increase [6] Additional Tax Proposals - The government is considering increasing taxes on various goods, including spirits, wine, beer, cigarettes, and vapes, with specific increases outlined for stronger spirits [4] - Other proposed fee increases include those for renewing driver's licenses and a potential tech tax on digital equipment, which could reach up to 5,000 rubles ($61.50) for high-priced items [4] Public Sentiment - The economic slowdown and tax increases indicate that both President Putin and ordinary Russians will face difficult choices between military spending and consumer welfare [5] - Public reactions in Moscow reflect a mix of dismay and resignation, particularly regarding the impact of higher food prices on poorer regions and low-income individuals [5]

Core Viewpoint - The former Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, argues that increased taxes will lead to an outflow of population from New York City [1] Group 1: Tax Implications - Cuomo emphasizes that raising taxes could drive residents to relocate to states with lower tax burdens [1] - The potential tax increases are seen as a deterrent for both individuals and businesses considering New York City as a viable place to live and operate [1] Group 2: Population Trends - The article suggests that New York City has already experienced significant population shifts, with many residents leaving for more tax-friendly environments [1] - Cuomo's comments reflect concerns about the long-term sustainability of New York City's population if tax policies are not carefully considered [1]

Core Viewpoint - President Trump stated that if the major legislation does not pass, taxes will increase by 68% [1] Group 1 - The proposed legislation is critical to prevent a significant tax increase [1] - The potential tax increase of 68% highlights the urgency of passing the legislation [1]

Core Viewpoint - President Trump warns Republican lawmakers that failure to act will result in the highest tax increase in history rather than the largest tax cut [1] Group 1 - Trump emphasizes the urgency for Republican action to avoid significant tax hikes [1]