A leading Green Party politician in the German state of Hesse, Mathias Wagner, has advocated for increased financial contributions from high-wealth individuals towards climate protection initiatives.
Speaking to public broadcaster hr, Wagner highlighted the significant wealth disparity within the country, asserting that a more robust taxation of substantial fortunes could help fund climate measures and make them accessible to a broader segment of the population.
While fellow Green Party co-leader Felix Banaszak has put forward a specific proposal for a “climate solidarity levy” on individuals with extremely high incomes or assets, Wagner emphasized a focus on achieving climate neutrality rather than endorsing particular financial instruments. “I’m not one of the Greens who fall in love with instruments” he stated, adding that he remains “open to the path” towards achieving established climate goals.
Wagner also criticized current governing bodies at both the national and state levels, accusing them of reducing funding for climate protection and insufficiently addressing the challenges posed by climate change, suggesting that existing policies are not adequately tackling the issue.