Jochen Breyer investigates the world of Germany's super-rich: The country boasts 237 billionaires, and the number is rising. Who is the richest German? For a long time, this was a secret. Until now: One name has been missing from the annually published lists for years. It's the name of the number one in the ranking. Why is that? The world of billionaires is considered secretive and discreet.

Julia Friedrichs and Jochen Breyer conduct numerous preliminary interviews with high-net-worth individuals before finally being invited to delve into their world. Breyer is allowed aboard a private jet used by a well-known German entrepreneur to travel from one appointment to the next. He meets investors who have bought entire apartment complexes and streets. And he discusses issues of fairness with the super-rich, as well as taxation.

Because in their research, the authors encounter large law firms with highly specialized consultants who construct highly complex tax-saving models for the very wealthy. An industry insider tells them in an anonymous interview that aggressive tax planning makes it legally possible to reduce the tax rate on investment income to below one percent.

Breyer and Friedrichs attend an event showcasing tax-saving strategies for the super-rich and gain deep insights into a consulting system that, with its strong political connections, extracts the maximum benefit for those who already have the most.

You can find the full documentary in the ZDF media library: https://kurz.zdf.de/jw3N/

And here's some fascinating background information:

What really makes the super-rich tick? Interview with Jochen Breyer: https://kurz.zdf.de/w7Sy/
New data on Germany's billionaires: https://kurz.zdf.de/yrwp/

_____

Here on ZDFheute News, you'll find out what's happening in the world and what affects us all: We provide clarity in the world of news, explain the background, and address social debates. Join us for live discussions and form your own opinion based on the facts we present.

Subscribe to our channel so you don't miss anything.

Stay up-to-date at http://www.ZDFheute.de/.

#Money #Documentary #News