After the reconstruction conference for Ukraine, SPD leader Esken insists on a wealth levy for the super-rich in Germany. The left faction leader Bartsch also calls for a peace conference.
SPD leader Saskia Esken is pushing for a wealth levy on the super-rich because of the forthcoming German payments for the reconstruction of Ukraine. The Marshall Plan initiated by Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) for the country invaded by Russia is a strong sign of German solidarity, Esken told the editorial network Germany (RND).
In addition to the suffering in Ukraine, this brutal war is bringing people and companies in Europe into existential difficulties due to rising energy and food costs. “In order to finance an effective, solidarity-based state that holds society in our country together, supports reconstruction in Ukraine and at the same time does not turn a blind eye to the global hunger crisis, we must finally implement a solidarity-based wealth levy on the super-rich,” demanded Esken. There is also a willingness among them to make a more solidary contribution.
Left faction leader Dietmar Bartsch told the RND: “We need Europe-wide participation by the super-rich. It must not be the case that ordinary taxpayers, who are already suffering from inflation and energy prices, have to pay the war bills alone.”
According to Bartsch, Russia should use the assets of its oligarchs, which are confiscated in the EU, to help finance reconstruction. Where critical infrastructure has been destroyed, damage must also be repaired during the war. “But the order is wrong. Peace must come before reconstruction. Correct would be: peace then reconstruction conference. Moscow is responsible here,” the left-wing politician told RND. “The federal government must make a lot more effort to diplomacy.”
