The Social Democratic Party calls for a stronger use of high wealth to fund the public sector. In a draft resolution for the party’s executive committee on economic policy, the SPD highlights that inequality and unequal tax treatment “generate resentment”. It argues that when large portions of society possess little or no wealth while the richest 1 % hold more than all other segments combined, the tax system must act as a key lever. “Those who have more can-and should-contribute more” the text states. This principle is seen as invalid when multimillion‑ and billion‑inheritances are lightly or not taxed at all, whereas ordinary inheritances are fully taxed. The party also stresses the need to relieve lower‑ and middle‑income earners from income‑tax burdens, and to tax extreme wealth more fairly.
In its economic brief, the SPD loudly warns against further cuts to the welfare state-an indirect jab at its coalition partner, the Union. It claims that policies aimed at boosting competitiveness and local government through wage suppression, social‑security retrenchment, or a broad devaluation of workers’ life choices echo the ineffective “1980s” prescriptions. The party asserts that tax‑cutting rivalry has led to less money for infrastructure and growing inequality, and that demanding workers take on more hours is an outdated reflex. “The call for dismantling social protection and for more labor from employees is an old habit” it says.
The SPD also criticises the Union’s push to limit part‑time work rights. The policy brief argues that a blanket condemnation of part‑time work ignores the realities of families, caregiving, further education and health. Instead, it urges measures that make it possible for men and women who wish to work more to do so, such as expanding child‑care services and flexible working‑time models that accommodate family, care and job responsibilities.
