Members of the Green party are strongly criticizing the opposition CDU and its leader, Friedrich Merz, accusing them of prioritizing policies benefiting the wealthiest citizens while neglecting broader public needs amidst ongoing discussions regarding budgetary shortfalls.
Andreas Audretsch, deputy parliamentary group leader of the Greens, asserted that current proposals demonstrate a focus on a small segment of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, potentially to the detriment of the general population. He called on the Social Democratic Party (SPD) to actively challenge this approach, emphasizing the necessity for substantial contributions from the wealthiest individuals towards the financing of public services.
Audretsch highlighted perceived inequities within the inheritance tax system, pointing to instances where significant wealth-including inherited properties and substantial sums-are effectively exempt from taxation. He specifically noted that inheritances exceeding 26 million euros and portfolios of over 300 properties held through company shares are currently not subject to inheritance tax, contrasting this with the full rates paid on more modest inheritances.
The Green politician argues that these exemptions are the result of lobbying efforts by extremely wealthy individuals, shifting the burden of financial responsibility onto ordinary citizens. Closing these tax loopholes, he contends, could generate significant revenue-amounting to a substantial double-digit billion-euro sum annually-that could be reinvested in critical infrastructure such as childcare facilities, schools, bridges and railways. Audretsch cautioned against Germany becoming a rigidly hierarchical society based on inherited wealth, arguing that such a system is fundamentally unfair and hinders innovation.
