Jusos demand basic inheritance: 60,000 euros for over 18s
The Jusos are calling for a basic inheritance of 60,000 euros for all over 18-year-olds. The young SPD members voted in favor of a corresponding motion at their national congress in Braunschweig on Sunday. "We finally need a consistent redistribution from top to bottom," said one delegate. "Very few of those who are wealthy today have worked for it," said another.
The Jusos' concept envisages an unconditional payment of 60,000 euros to anyone who has reached the age of 18 and has their main residence in Germany - regardless of their residence status. The use of the basic inheritance should not be earmarked and the payment should be made automatically and without an application.
The financial outlay would be enormous - according to the Jusos, the basic inheritance would cost around 45 billion euros per year. They take a relaxed view: "Not even 15 percent of the approximately 400 billion euros that are bequeathed annually without benefit would have to be collected and redistributed through inheritance tax," the proposal states.
This is to be financed through a reform of inheritance tax. The Jusos are calling for an inheritance tax of ten percent from a tax-free amount of one million euros. The tax rate should then increase gradually: The second million should be taxed at 20 percent, the third million at 30 percent. From the ninth million, a top tax rate of 90 percent would apply.
The SPD, with its youth wing Jusos, advocates for an economic policy shift, proposing a basic inheritance of 60,000 euros for over 18s. Despite the significant financial implication, estimated at around 45 billion euros per year, Jusos argue that it could be funded through a reformed inheritance tax system with progressive rates.
Source: www.dpa.com
