The Social Democrats in Denmark have proposed a new wealth tax of 0.5% on assets exceeding 25 million kroner, provoking strong reactions from various sectors of society. The business community, represented by Dansk Industri (DI), has condemned the proposal, calling it damaging to jobs and entrepreneurship. Morten Høyer, DI's political director, argues that entrepreneurs often struggle for years without profit as they reinvest in their businesses, and he finds it unfathomable that the Social Democrats would implement measures perceived to stifle this growth, ultimately threatening Denmark's welfare state reliant on individuals maintaining employment.

In contrast, the anti-poverty organization Oxfam Denmark perceives the wealth tax as a necessary tool for addressing rising inequality. Lars Koch, Oxfam’s secretary-general, states that combating growing inequality should be a priority for the new government, and advocates for a wealth tax specifically targeting the richest. This perspective emphasizes the social responsibility of the wealthiest to contribute more significantly to public welfare, arguing that it is essential to fund services that benefit all citizens and close the gap between the rich and the poor.

The division in opinion reflects broader societal debates about wealth distribution, economic responsibility, and the role of taxation in society. The differing viewpoints highlight the complexities of creating fiscal policies that not only stimulate economic growth but also promote social equity, and the ultimate fate of the proposal will likely depend on negotiations and compromises among political parties and stakeholders as they navigate these contentious discussions.