A leading figure within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has voiced renewed concerns regarding wealth inequality in Germany, advocating for measures to foster greater balance. Jens Spahn, parliamentary group leader for the CDU, expressed the view that the current distribution of assets presents a significant challenge.
Speaking to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”, Spahn stated that the disparity is not a recent development. He questioned the fairness of situations where gains in stock values disproportionately benefit some, while others lack the means to accumulate even modest savings. He believes a degree of wealth redistribution is warranted.
While not explicitly proposing specific policies, Spahn acknowledged the possibility of adjustments to inheritance tax regulations. He emphasized that any changes would be contingent upon the outcome of a pending constitutional court decision, suggesting a need to evaluate the situation further afterwards.
Protecting family businesses and ensuring their continued viability through generational transitions remains a priority, he affirmed. Regarding potential adjustments to inheritance tax exemptions and whether those might be interpreted as tax increases, Spahn indicated that this debate should be deferred until the court ruling is released.
Spahn suggested that facilitating wealth accumulation, particularly for those with lower incomes, represents a crucial first step. He proposed support for first-time homebuyers, potentially through mechanisms such as state exemptions from property taxes for initial property purchases. He also highlighted the importance of initiatives like the planned early retirement scheme as contributing factors to greater economic equity.