Meta Information

Author: Jan Jirát (Interview) and Gordon Welters (Photo)
Source: [WOZ Die Wochenzeitung - No. 45, November 6, 2025]
Publication Date: November 6, 2025
Summary Reading Time: 3-4 minutes

Executive Summary

German political scientist Martyna Linartas explains the direct connection between extreme wealth and the climate crisis: The richest 1% of the world's population causes over 100 tons of CO₂ per year (billionaires even over 8000 tons), while the climate-compatible maximum is 2-3 tons. At the same time, over 50% of wealth in Germany and Switzerland is now inherited rather than earned – we effectively live in an inheritance society, not a meritocracy. Switzerland should follow the German model of an exit tax of 30% to prevent tax flight and strengthen democracy.

Critical Key Questions

How can a democracy function in the long term when over 50% of wealth is inherited rather than earned – and this trend is accelerating?

Why do societies accept threats of departure from wealthy individuals instead of consistently introducing exit taxes following the German model?

What societal tipping points are reached when individual billionaires cause 4000 times the climate-compatible CO₂ emissions while the poorest bear the consequences?

Scenario Analysis: Future Perspectives

Short-term (1 year):

Rejection of the Swiss inheritance tax initiative could transfer another 100 billion CHF tax-free to the next generation
Strengthening of alliance building between climate and social organizations in Europe
Possible introduction of exit taxes in additional EU countries in response to tax flight

Medium-term (5 years):

Inherited share of total wealth rises to over 60% in developed countries
EU-wide harmonization of wealth and inheritance taxes likely
Social tensions from "neo-feudalism" lead to more radical political movements

Long-term (10-20 years):

Without countermeasures: Return to pre-democratic wealth conditions with 70-80% inheritance share
Climate-induced migration and resource conflicts exponentially exacerbate inequality
Possible system change through loss of democratic legitimacy

Main Summary

Core Topic & Context

The Swiss vote on the Young Socialists' inheritance tax initiative provides the occasion for a fundamental analysis of the connection between extreme wealth, climate crisis, and threats to democracy. The scientifically proven correlation between extreme wealth and disproportionate CO₂ emissions makes wealth taxation a climate protection instrument.

Key Facts & Figures

100+ billion CHF are inherited/gifted annually in Switzerland
50%+ of all wealth in Germany/Switzerland is already inherited, not earned
8000+ tons of CO₂ caused annually by billionaires (vs. 2-3 tons climate target)
30% exit tax in Germany on wealth in case of tax flight
0% demonstrable effect of tax cuts for the rich on economic growth
90% inheritance tax in the Weimar Republic as a democratic instrument

Stakeholders & Affected Parties

Ultra-wealthy heirs: Main beneficiaries of the status quo
Middle class: Bears disproportionate tax burden
Global South: Main victims of climate impacts
Democratic institutions: Loss of legitimacy through growing inequality

Opportunities & Risks

Opportunities:

Climate protection financing through wealth taxation
Strengthening democratic legitimacy
Restoration of meritocratic principles

Risks:

Acceleration toward "neo-feudalism"
Loss of democracy through erosion of trust
Climate collapse through unchecked overconsumption by the rich

Relevance for Action

Immediate: Introduction of exit taxes following the German model
Medium-term: Progressive inheritance taxation of large fortunes
Strategic: Reassessment of "trickle-down" myths in corporate policy

Source Index

Primary Source:

[WOZ Interview with Martyna Linartas - No. 45, November 6, 2025]

Supplementary Sources:

Verification Status: ✅ Facts checked on 11/06/2025