SPD's Kühnert targets oil firms and defends inheritance tax reforms
SPD politician Kevin Kühnert has called for stronger action against oil companies profiting from the war. He also praised his party's proposed inheritance tax reforms as a step toward fairer policies. His comments come amid ongoing debates about economic inequality and corporate accountability. Speaking in early 2026, Kühnert criticised oil firms for exploiting the war to drive up fuel prices. He proposed clawing back excess profits and, in extreme cases, revoking licences for repeat offenders. Rising fuel costs, he argued, were placing an unfair burden on low- and middle-income households.
The SPD's inheritance tax plans, outlined in a January 2026 discussion paper, include a lifelong personal allowance of around €900,000 for close relatives. Business assets would also receive a fixed €5 million exemption under special rules. Kühnert defended these measures as the right approach, claiming they would ease pressure on smaller inheritances while targeting large fortunes.
However, critics warn the reforms could unintentionally increase taxes on mid-sized estates. Kühnert also accused the CDU of worsening public frustration over economic inequality. He stressed that the SPD must prove itself as the party of social justice in everyday life. As of March 2026, the SPD has yet to finalise any concrete inheritance tax changes. Kühnert's calls for action against oil companies and his defence of tax reforms reflect broader party efforts to address economic fairness. The proposals remain under debate, with implementation still pending.
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