Can wealthy people help fight COVID-19?
A group of millionaires urges governments to raise taxes to fund a coronavirus recovery.
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday reported the largest single-day rise in coronavirus infections – almost a quarter of a million in 24 hours.
Many cities that had declared a tentative victory against COVID-19 have seen varying forms of lockdowns reimposed. The return of virus-related restrictions could be an economic disaster for many nations already suffering the results of the first round of closures.
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While some governments have provided assistance to flatlining companies, others have chosen to spend big – to create jobs, encourage spending and reduce individuals’ debt. And some have chosen welfare and public sector cuts too.
Now a group of millionaires is saying cash – or at least some of it – should come from them.
The collective of 83 wealthy people around the globe has penned a letter calling themselves “Millionaires for Humanity”.
The headline: Raise taxes on people like us. Immediately. Substantially. Permanently.
How will governments respond to the millionaires’ call to action?
Presenter: Laura Kyle
Guests:
Morris Pearl – chair of Patriotic Millionaires and participant in Millionaires for Humanity who has signed the petition
Arun Advani – assistant professor of economics and impact director of the CAGE Research Centre at the University of Warwick
Ana Caistor Arendar – head of inequality campaign and policy at Oxfam
Published On 17 Jul 2020