Ines Schwerdtner, the leader of the Left Party, advocates for a massive stimulus package to modernize the German economy. Speaking to ntv, she stated that the existing special fund designated for infrastructure is far from adequate. According to Schwerdtner, the country would require several hundred billion euros to truly upgrade and reinvigorate the industries, construction sector, and overall infrastructure. She dismissed the current, 500 billion euro special fund as merely a “drop in the bucket” noting that these funds are largely allocated only to the basic maintenance of bridges and roads. To mobilize the necessary sums, she proposed a reform of financial policy, specifically calling for changes to the debt brake rules.
To fund these proposed measures, as well as broader citizens’ relief, Schwerdtner suggests implementing an “excess profit tax” targeting oil and gas conglomerates, which she termed a “multi-tool”. The revenue generated from such a tax would finance various initiatives, including a €150 “energy crisis payment” a reduction in the electricity tax, and the reintroduction of a ticket similar to the former 9-euro ticket. Furthermore, Schwerdtner reaffirmed the Left Party’s demand for a wealth tax targeting the ultra-rich. She stated that her party’s concept entails a 12 percent wealth tax levied on assets exceeding one billion euros. Addressing concerns that such a tax would harm the economic environment, Schwerdtner countered that a wealth tax would not damage the economy but could, in fact, generate positive effects through increased purchasing power and public investment.
The Left Party leader also directed sharp criticism at the federal government, specifically citing Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the CDU. She accused the coalition’s budget of being completely opaque due to numerous special funds. Schwerdtner asserted that the situation was causing public frustration due to the government’s “lack of planning and ignorance regarding the reality for ordinary people”. According to her, the role of the Left Party is to provide a “more sensible outlet” for this discontent and organize political protest in a socially responsible manner, thus preventing the right-wing parties from capitalizing on the public’s anger.
