Members of Germany’s Green Party are sharply criticizing the opposition CDU and its leadership, alleging policies favoring the nation’s wealthiest citizens amidst ongoing debate surrounding budgetary gaps. Andreas Audretsch, a deputy parliamentary group leader for the Greens, asserted that Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the CDU are prioritizing a small segment of ultra-high-net-worth individuals at the expense of the broader population, a stance he claims is detrimental to Germany’s future.
Audretsch argues that the wealthiest individuals are not contributing sufficiently to public finances and called for increased contributions from those with substantial assets. He specifically highlighted perceived loopholes in inheritance tax laws, pointing to instances where significant inheritances – exceeding 26 million euros or involving over 300 properties held through company shares – are currently exempt from taxation. He contrasted this with the full inheritance tax applied to more modest estates.
The Green Party representative contends that these exemptions are the result of lobbying efforts by extremely wealthy individuals, shifting the burden of financing public services onto ordinary citizens. He estimates that closing these tax loopholes could generate substantial revenue – a double-digit billion euro sum annually – which could then be directed towards vital public infrastructure such as childcare facilities, schools, bridges and railway networks.
Audretsch warned against Germany evolving into a rigid society defined by inherited wealth, stating this creates inequality and stifles innovation. The Greens are advocating for a more equitable tax system where those with the greatest financial capacity contribute a fairer share to the public good.