Göring-Eckardt calls for a CO2-linked wealth levy

In view of the current crises, Bundestag Vice President Katrin Göring-Eckardt has spoken out in favor of a temporary wealth levy and a move away from the debt brake.

Göring-Eckardt calls for a CO2-linked wealth levy

In view of the current crises, Bundestag Vice President Katrin Göring-Eckardt has spoken out in favor of a temporary wealth levy and a move away from the debt brake. "We have an emergency situation, not because of one, but several crises," said the Green politician to the news portal t-online. "That's why we also have to talk about the debt brake. In view of the situation, it is not tenable,” she said, referring to the ban on debt enshrined in the Basic Law. Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) insists on complying with the debt brake again next year.

Göring-Eckardt said it couldn't be the case that the state was piling up debt while the rich were getting off on a slender footing. Therefore, in the future, those who cause a particularly large amount of climate-damaging CO2 should be taxed more heavily - for example with a large apartment, two cars or permanent air travel, she demanded. “A temporary wealth levy would also be conceivable. We need a new justice contract.” In the future, it will no longer be possible to separate social justice from climate justice, said Göring-Eckardt.

According to t-online, Germany will have to adjust to many more savings. “Companies have to check whether they can turn down the heating and air conditioning in the offices and workshops. The same applies to public buildings, golf clubs or fun pools," said Göring-Eckardt. The necessary restrictions due to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine are only the beginning. "The climate crisis will demand many more restrictions from us," she said.