Oxfam Report Highlights Accelerating Wealth Growth Among Billionaires

The global wealth of billionaires surged by $2 trillion in 2024, as economic inequality deepens and political influence of the super-rich grows.

The number of billionaires worldwide grew by 204 in 2024, reaching a total of 2,769, with their combined wealth increasing from $13 trillion to $15 trillion.
In Germany, the number of billionaires rose to 130, with their total wealth climbing by $26.8 billion, making it the fourth-highest billionaire count globally.
Oxfam warns that 71% of billionaire wealth in Germany stems from inheritance, significantly higher than the global average of 36%, exacerbating economic inequality.
The organization criticizes tax policies that favor the wealthy, noting that middle-class families in Germany face higher tax burdens than many super-rich individuals.
Oxfam calls for a 2% wealth tax on multimillionaires and billionaires to fund social equity initiatives, climate action, and development programs.