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Citizens’ council distributes 25 million from social activist’s inheritance
Heiress to millions and activist for social justice: Marlene Engelhorn. Photo
© Roland Schlager/APA/dpa
Such an action is rare: 50 citizens between the ages of 16 and 85 distribute 25 million euros from an inheritance. The goal: to promote a fairer world. The list of recipients is long.
For the “Good Advice for Redistribution”, 50 citizens aged between 16 and 85 were selected as representatives of the Austrian population. They discussed over six weekends how the money could be used in the most sensible way. 31-year-old Engelhorn distributed almost her entire fortune through the campaign. She has been campaigning for the reintroduction of wealth and inheritance taxes in Austria for years. In the next 30 years alone, 600 billion euros will be inherited tax-free in Austria. Rich people must make a much greater contribution to a fairer society than is currently the case, according to her credo.
The Citizens’ Council also wanted to do something for climate protection. One of the beneficiaries is the Austrian Nature Conservation Association, which received the highest individual amount at 1.6 million euros. The grants are often not paid in one lump sum, but spread over several years to give the organizations planning security, it was said.
Engelhorn says she has kept a sum of money for herself to make her transition into working life easier. She is not worried. She is embedded in a wealthy family and has a very good network. “My privileges will also support me after the redistribution,” the 31-year-old said at the start of the Citizens’ Council.