This archive report was first published on 2 September 2021.
Germany's centre-left Greens have faced sharp criticism from opposition parties over their proposal to introduce an online tax fraud denunciation platform, sparking concerns about mass surveillance and mistrust among citizens.
Annalena Baerbock, the Greens' candidate for chancellor, has defended the initiative, stating that it aims to create a secure and discreet means of reporting potential tax crimes.
However, the backlash has been swift, with opposition parties likening the proposal to the feared East German secret police, the Stasi, and accusing the Greens of creating an 'atmosphere of mistrust'.
According to estimates, tax fraud costs Germany around 50 billion euros ($59 billion) annually, prompting Baerbock to describe the issue as a 'big problem'.
Baden-Wuerttemberg's finance ministry launched the website at the beginning of the week, promising a secure and discreet means of reporting potential tax crimes.
Finance Minister Danyal Bayaz stated, 'Tax evasion is a slap in the face to all those who honestly pay their taxes.'
The initiative has stirred up debate in the run-up to Germany's general election on September 26, with opposition parties warning that it could lead to a culture of denunciation and mistrust among citizens.
