Comments like “Absurd and quixotic” and “An idea that could only be developed by people without enough work to do” is what the American press things about this proposed “decree” (German for “Erlass”). The German financial minister Hans Eichel proposes that Internet access should be handled like a monetary advantage in the office, which means that the equivalent cash value is taxable.

“Politicians issue soothing messages on Green Cards and the New Economy while at the same time burdening citizens with nonsensical tax regulations”