On Monday, German media reported that the SPD was mulling the possibility of imposing an extra tax on wealthy citizens to tackle challenges caused by the financial crisis, help transform Germany into a green economy, foster education and create a million new jobs by 2030.
Esken noted that Berlin would have to come up with a new funding plan for its defense forces after a special fund worth 100 billion euros ($106.8 billion) is exhausted, adding that an extra tax on the super-rich could help resolve the issue.
She also expressed the belief it would be "fair" to impose taxes on people with excessively high incomes.
"Even in years of crisis, we saw very large private assets and extremely high incomes in Germany growing significantly, while others were fighting for their existence. So there are those who benefit from these crises. I believe that if we fairly tax these very large assets and very high incomes, and explain what we need the money for ... then crisis beneficiaries will be ready to make a greater contribution," Esken was quoted as saying.
She also reportedly suggested money received from such taxes could be used to ensure the equitable and successful education of German children.