In a new political initiative from the Unity List (Enhedslisten), it is proposed to introduce two new taxes aimed at redistributing economic resources in society. The proposal, which has already sparked a significant debate, includes a green one-time wealth tax on fortunes over 35 million Danish kroner as well as an additional tax on banks, which the party believes have achieved abnormal profits in 2023. Unity List’s political spokesperson, Pelle Dragsted, argues that the additional tax revenues, estimated to amount to 19.3 billion kroner, should be used to finance green initiatives such as support for electric cars and electric bicycles, as well as a new district heating fund. “It is only fair that those who have the most also contribute the most to the community,” says Dragsted.
However, the proposal has been met with sharp criticism from several sides, including from the Venstre (Left) party and Liberal Alliance. Venstre’s political spokesperson, Torsten Schack Pedersen, criticizes Unity List for wanting to “fire tax” both banks and wealthy Danes and believes that the proposal will harm economic development. “This proposal is best suited for a study group in Unity List,” he says. Liberal Alliance’s tax spokesperson, Steffen Frølund, is also critical and points out that the proposed taxes will ultimately affect ordinary Danes. “The banks are just intermediaries for the money that Unity List wants to take from your and my pocket,” says Frølund.
There is also skepticism in the think tank CEPOS. Chief analyst Otto Brøns-Petersen believes that the proposal lacks a solid rationale and overlooks the potentially negative consequences of the new taxes. “These are taxes that are contrary to fundamental principles of legal certainty in Denmark,” he says, adding that the proposal has a populist nature.
Despite the criticism, Unity List stands firm on their proposal, which they believe will promote solidarity and justice in the green transition. The party sees the new taxes as a necessary adjustment to ensure that even the economically strongest contribute to the community. It is expected that the debate on the new tax proposals will continue in the coming months, where both political parties and interest groups will take a stance on Unity List’s controversial proposal.