Pfizer/BioNTech tax windfall brings Mainz an early Christmas present

German city where early Covid vaccine was developed uses its new-found wealth to slash debt and attract other biotech firms

The Pfizer/BioNTech jab is having an unexpected side-effect on the German municipality where scientists first developed it: for the first time in three decades the city of Mainz expects to become debt-free thanks to the tax revenues generated by the company's global success.

Mainz's decision to use its financial windfall to also slash corporate tax rates in the hope of attracting industry, especially biotech companies, however, is drawing criticism from neighbouring cities and economists.