Davos, Switzerland—The idyllic Alpine town turned into a battleground of ideologies this past Sunday as protests against the World Economic Forum (WEF) brought traffic to a halt. Chanting slogans like “Economy for all” and “Tax the rich,” demonstrators challenged the gathering of billionaires and global leaders, accusing them of being out of touch with the realities of ordinary citizens. Leading the charge was Marlene Engelhorn, a German heiress turned activist, who marched alongside hundreds demanding a more equitable economic system.

Who is Marlene Engelhorn?

Engelhorn, a descendant of the 19th-century German industrialist who founded BASF—the world’s largest chemical producer—has inherited a $27 million fortune. But unlike many in her position, she isn’t guarding her wealth. Instead, she has become a vocal advocate for wealth redistribution.

“I never worked for it,” she remarked in a 2022 interview with Le Monde. True to her word, she redistributed her inheritance through an initiative called the “Good Council for Redistribution,” which allocated the money to 77 charitable causes, including environmental groups, women’s shelters, and children’s charities. Engelhorn’s activism goes beyond charity. As the founder of the group Tax Me Now, she lobbies for governments to impose higher taxes on the superrich, even calling for Austria to tax 90% of her own inheritance.

Why Are Protesters Targeting the World Economic Forum?

The World Economic Forum annually attracts the global elite—billionaires, CEOs, and political leaders—who convene to discuss pressing issues like inequality, climate change, and technological advancements. But critics argue that these discussions rarely lead to concrete action.

Engelhorn’s criticism of the WEF is sharp: “This is called the World Economic Forum, but they hide away in the Swiss Alps, protected by the military and the police, to talk about things where no decisions are being made,” she told Business Insider. She highlighted the glaring absence of those most affected by economic policies, saying, “The people who are going to be affected by the decisions are left out of the conversations.”

The protests in Davos are emblematic of a larger, growing discontent with economic disparity worldwide. From the United States to Europe, movements calling for higher taxation on the wealthy and greater accountability are gaining momentum. Engelhorn drew parallels with the U.S., where wealth and politics often overlap. “Thirteen of the 25 members of the current cabinet are billionaires,” she noted, emphasizing the gap between policymakers and the people they represent.

As the WEF wraps up another year of discussions, the spotlight remains on whether these protests will translate into meaningful policy changes. While the chants of “Tax the rich” echoed through the snowy streets of Davos, the challenge lies in turning these voices into actionable reforms. For now, Engelhorn and her fellow protesters continue to hold the world’s wealthiest accountable, ensuring that their message—that power and wealth must serve the many, not the few—is heard loud and clear.