Berlin – In a surprising shift, conservative politician Jens Spahn has publicly acknowledged the issue of wealth inequality, sparking debate over potential tax reforms. Speaking on ZDF’s “Maybrit Illner” talk show, Spahn, a leading figure in the CDU, stated, “If you already had… In recent years, especially in the low interest rate phase, we have had the situation that assets have actually almost grown on its own without greater our own intervention.Real estate values,stock values and more.” he further added, “It is a problem, the distribution of assets.”
Spahn’s comments have focused attention on inheritance tax as a potential area for reform, seen as more readily achievable then a full wealth tax. though, the FDP, currently not represented in the Bundestag, swiftly criticized any increase to inheritance tax, with General Secretary Nicole Büttner arguing it would “tighten the problems of our competitiveness” and “strike the next generation at jobs.” Büttner characterized Spahn’s position as “the complete cancellation of the announced change of policy.”
SPD politician Klüssendorf welcomed Spahn’s stance, dismissing concerns that inheritance tax reform would target average homeowners. “It is expressly not about the social center,” Klüssendorf told the Rheinische Post, emphasizing the need for billionaires to “assume duty and contribute to the costs for the community.”
CDA chairman Radtke cautioned against a flat-rate increase in top income tax rates, noting that “manny skilled workers in industry are already paying the top tax rate and not the super rich,” and advocating for alternative models “with relief for the middle and moderate raising for top earners” in the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung.
