Spain and Brazil Lead Global Push for Super-Rich Tax to Tackle Inequality

July 1, 2025
Spain and Brazil Lead Global Push for Super-Rich Tax to Tackle Inequality
  • Central to this initiative is the potential establishment of a global wealth registry, which would require significant political will and national commitment to enhance transparency and equity in taxation.

  • The proposal highlights a troubling reality: the wealthiest individuals contribute less to public finances than average taxpayers, primarily due to lower effective tax rates and legal loopholes.

  • This plan reflects years of advocacy from unions and organizations, striving for a progressive global tax system that can help reduce social inequality.

  • The initiative builds on the G20's 2024 agreement, which committed to a joint tax agenda for high-net-worth individuals, and includes a work plan to monitor progress in tax reforms.

  • During the UN's 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla, Spain and Brazil proposed a global initiative aimed at taxing the super-rich to combat rising inequality.

  • To address these issues, the initiative emphasizes improving data sharing between governments and tax authorities, aiming to expose gaps in tax systems and combat tax evasion.

  • A three-month work plan is being developed to engage more countries and civil society in reforming tax systems specifically targeted at the ultra-rich.

  • Spain and Brazil are urging other nations to join their initiative for a more progressive global tax system, noting that the richest 1% of the global population owns over 95% of the total wealth.

  • Spain’s Secretary of State for Finance, Jesúas Gascón, emphasized the need for increased public revenue, pointing out that the wealthiest often pay lower taxes than middle and lower-income taxpayers.

  • This proposal is part of the Seville Platform for Action, which aims to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are currently off track for the 2030 deadline.

  • Brazil's Minister at the UN, José Gilberto Scandiucci, described the initiative as a moderate response to the urgent issue of growing inequality, distancing it from far-left agendas.

  • Oxfam's Susana Ruiz highlighted that this proposal addresses the crisis in global democracy caused by extreme wealth concentration.

Summary based on 5 sources


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