Majority of Germans Favor Higher Taxes on the Wealthy, Poll Shows

A recent Forsa survey, commissioned by Stern magazine and RTL, reveals a strong public sentiment in Germany favoring increased taxation on high earners. The findings, published by DIE ZEIT, indicate that 76 percent of Germans believe individuals earning over 300,000 euros per year should face higher tax rates. This sentiment is remarkably consistent across different regions and even among those with higher household incomes, with 74 percent of those earning 4,000 euros or more per month supporting the measure.

The survey highlights significant political divides, with 95 percent of Green party voters strongly endorsing the proposal, followed by 89 percent of SPD supporters. In contrast, a notable portion of Alternative for Germany (AfD) voters expressed reservations, with 38 percent deeming the proposal unhelpful. The poll, conducted among 1,000 Germans from April 29-30, 2026, with a margin of error of three percentage points, underscores a widespread desire for greater wealth redistribution.

From a German perspective, this poll reflects a long-standing debate about social equity and the fair distribution of wealth. The strong support for taxing the rich, even among some higher earners, suggests a societal consensus that those who have benefited most from the economy should contribute more to public services and social welfare. This aligns with the values often espoused by center-left and Green parties, which emphasize social justice and environmental responsibility, often funded through progressive taxation.

The differing views among political party supporters, particularly the reservations of AfD voters, point to a broader ideological divergence on economic policy. While parties like the Greens and SPD see higher taxes on the wealthy as a tool for social leveling and funding public goods, parties like the AfD may prioritize different economic models or express skepticism about government intervention. This survey provides a snapshot of public opinion on a key economic issue, indicating a prevailing mood in favor of greater fiscal fairness.