Calls for tax rises for the army

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The leader of the Centre party is calling for an emergency and temporary rise in federal tax or VAT.

Gerhard Pfister says the money is needed to fund the army. 

He says the war in Ukraine means the government must examine defence spending.

The VAT rate can only be changed by a national vote. Pfister says this is an advantage as the campaign would allow a national debate and there would be a clear result afterwards.

He’s predicting a tough budget battle in parliament at the end of the year for next year’s spending plans. 

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