SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf has renewed his demand for a fairer inheritance tax as he continues his debate with the Union regarding political reforms. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post,” Klüssendorf stated that the current situation reveals extreme wealth inequality in Germany. He pointed out that 95 percent of assets transferred by inheritance and gifts flow to the wealthy, arguing that it is simply unjust and unacceptable for a democratic society that life chances and security in old age depend on whether someone can expect a large inheritance.
Klüssendorf emphasized the disparity between regions, noting specifically that in Eastern Germany, many people rely solely on statutory pensions because they had few opportunities to build supplementary wealth. Therefore, he advocates for a robust public pension system that provides reliable protection against old-age poverty and requires all working individuals-including new civil servants, members of parliament, and the self-employed-to contribute to it in the future.
Furthermore, the SPD politician stressed that an overhaul of the inheritance tax is long overdue. He criticized the current framework, arguing it is unacceptable that smaller and medium-sized inheritances are heavily taxed, while billionaire families can pass on their wealth nearly tax-free by exploiting existing legal loopholes in Germany. Klüssendorf warned that failure to recognize this problem and take necessary action “endangers the social cohesion of our country.”
