[LeanderK]

I bet it's a tax haven leeching of the countries around it.

To be honest, I also don't accept the argument if only you are well off in a poor country where everyone suffers but you make big bucks with a low tax rate. Are they enjoying a comparable healthcare? Adequate pension? If so, you should have been taxed more. I am a social democrat by heart and think that in the end economy serves society and successful entrepreneurs have inherent social responsibility because of the economic power they have.

[Lionga]

healthcare is better, pension i take care of myself.

Zero leeching, smaller country yes, but why does that matter?

But you are so indoctrinated of "Germany is the best" that you will only wake up when your Pension ponzi scheme in germany explodes. Already now 100% of the federal income taxes are needed to support this ponzi scheme. Just think about it Germany could remove all federal income tax if they just did not have the ponzi pension scheme.

[LeanderK]

oh come on. I don't think "Germany is the best". In fact, I am leaving germany soon for a new opportunity in the UK. I wouldn't otherwise, right? But it's because it's a great opportunity in a beautiful city I always wanted to live in.

I hope it's not Switzerland, internationally recognised tax haven. If your country profits from the tax-avoidance of the rich then I won't consider it.

I agree that the pension scheme is really the achilles heel of the german state, as the pensions schemes are not really determined bye their true worth. But that's literally only one function of many. And the it also has good sides, as you there's less risk of serious poverty in old age.

> Germany could remove all federal income tax

While it's certainly a big part, it's still the minority of the federal budget and so you could only reduce the federal income tax. Things like research, social safety net for work-seekers, healthcare or major transportation routes are in the hand of the federal state.

EDIT: In the end I am not really arguing that germany is best. But I am arguing that in germany the taxes fulfil important functions and in the end they manage to deliver on most points. You might not want to accept it, but then moving abroad or changing the system from within is the only way to do it, but not staying in germany and avoiding taxes. Pay your fair share if you do your business in germany. I am convinced that successful entrepreneurs have social responsibility, because economy serves society and not the other way around.