Subjective Redistribution Preferences in Germany: Popular Will and Political Reality

Germany is by no means the only country in which the majority of citizens hold the state responsible for reducing the income gap between rich and poor. Yet in Germany this desire for equality is above the rich-country average, even though few OECD countries actually achieve a greater level of redistribution through government levies and transfers. A detailed examination of redistribution preferences reveals little interest in expanding expenditure expressly designed to benefit less privileged groups. Where taxes are concerned, the broad population favours a greater degree of progression. However, furthr survey results suggest that the redistributive effect already achieved by the income tax system is considerably underestimated. At the same time, polls indicate a marked preference for recognisable income differences as long as they are seen to be justified by performance. It would therefore make sense, while not ignoring conventional inequality indicators, to focus more closely on measures of equality of opportunity and rewards for performance, as this would make clearer whether the policies implemented really address the perceived deficits in fairness that interest voters.