At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo, alongside producer Abigail Disney and musician Brian Eno, joined a coalition of influential figures calling for higher taxes on the super rich. This appeal, made in January 2026, emphasizes that taxing extreme wealth is essential to address growing inequality and protect democratic institutions worldwide.
Call for Urgent Action from Global Leaders
The open letter, organized by Time To Win and supported by groups such as Patriotic Millionaires from the US, Canada, and the UK, Millionaires for Humanity, and Oxfam, demands immediate political and economic reforms. These groups argue that extreme wealth has severely undermined democracy and deepened social disparities globally. The letter stresses that only decisive action in 2026 can “win back our future” by effectively taxing those with vast fortunes.
Highlighting the scale of inequality, the letter states:
Decades of innovation have gone hand in hand with decades of inequality, environmental destruction, and wasted opportunity,
emphasizing that the richest 1% hold more wealth than 95% of the world’s population combined. It warns that society is
dangerously teetering off the edge of a precipice
.
Wealth Concentration Undermining Democracies and Societies
Signatories identify themselves as part of the wealthy class demanding reforms to counteract the outsized influence of a small elite. According to the letter,
A handful of global oligarchs with extreme wealth have bought up our democracies; taken over our governments; gagged the freedom of our media; placed a stranglehold on technology and innovation,
signaling a threat to democratic freedoms and innovation worldwide.
The letter describes the wider social consequences of concentrated wealth, including strain on public services and acceleration of environmental degradation.
What we treasure, rich and poor alike, is being eaten away by those intent on growing the gulf between their vast power and everyone else,
it says, underscoring the urgency felt by campaigners who see this as a pressing threat spanning generations and borders.
Direct Appeal to Policymakers for Meaningful Change
The coalition members insist incremental reforms will not suffice and call for bold action from policymakers attending the Davos forum. They insist that
In 2026, we must do more than hope for a future we want. We must win it,
describing taxation of the super rich as a simple and effective solution supported by both wealth holders and the broader public.
In a poignant plea, the letter urges,
Stop squandering the time we have tax the super rich,
and continues with,
As millionaires who stand shoulder to shoulder with all people, we demand it.
This signals a rare unity between affluent individuals and citizens calling for greater fairness.
Democracy and Community at the Heart of the Message
The signatories present their position as not only economic but democratic, emphasizing that extreme wealth has translated into excessive control over political processes and public discussion. The letter declares,
We want our democracies back. We want our communities back. We want our future back,
appealing to elected officials worldwide to reclaim democratic integrity.
Ending with a straightforward demand, the campaigners conclude,
Tax us. Tax the super rich,
imploring representatives at every level of government to ensure the promises of progress extend equitably over the coming decades.
This collective voice at Davos highlights a growing movement among influential voices like Mark Ruffalo, Abigail Disney, and Brian Eno, signaling increased pressure on global leadership to adopt policies that reduce wealth inequality and restore democratic accountability.
