GI-ESCR

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GI-ESCR organised a roundtable with Patriotic Millionaires

Chile is living a crucial moment. In November 2019 an institutional path emerged for a new Constitution to replace the one inherited from the dictatorship. Although the proposed new constitution was rejected by a wide margin, the demands for change are still present and the status quo is not an option.

Fiscal policy in general and taxation in particular are key issues, given that the country requires more resources to finance economic and social rights on a permanent basis. As various experts have pointed out, it is essential to move towards a progressive tax system, where the top 1% of income and wealth contribute first, considering that 1% of the income distribution accounts for 27% of total income (World Inequality Database), and the 12 most billionaires in the country accumulate wealth equivalent to 25% of Chile's GDP (Milanovic).

Building support around tax policies that increase taxes on the highest income and wealth earners requires a change in the narrative in the understanding of taxation, and also of the role of the state in the economy.

In this context, the Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (GI-ESCR) and Centro Contribuye organised a roundtable with the Patriotic Millionaires, a group of millionaires from the USA and the UK that advocate for higher taxes on large fortunes.  Among the attendees were The Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rigths, Centro Contribuye, Patriotic Millionaires, FES, AFIICH, Fundación Libera, Espacio Público and  Amnistía Internacional (Chile).

The roundtable discussion was held on 09 November 2022.