The world's richest people are now wealthier than ever. However, many ordinary people are facing more economic problems. A new study by the charity Oxfam shows this growing difference. The study found that the richest people have gained 81% more money since 2020. This is a huge amount, $8.2 trillion. Oxfam says this money could end world poverty many times over.
Last year was very good for the very rich. The number of billionaires has grown past 3,000 for the first time. This increase in private wealth is happening while efforts to fight poverty and hunger are not working well. This problem has become worse recently.
Oxfam believes this difference is not just from the economy. They say governments are making policies that help the wealthy. Max Lawson, who helped write the report, said governments are choosing to "defend wealth, not freedom." This means they are helping rich people more than others. For example, governments cut spending on important services like schools and hospitals. At the same time, businesses get tax breaks.
Many people are angry about this unfairness. Protests are happening in many parts of the world. People are unhappy about high prices, corruption, and job losses. However, these protests are often ignored or stopped by police.
In Kenya, people have been very unhappy for a long time. Social activist Wanjira Wanjiru said that basic needs are now too expensive. This suggests a system where only the rich have power. Lawson said the rich are becoming "politically rich." They can easily influence society and the economy. This influence used to be hidden, but now it is very obvious.
This situation has serious results. People are losing trust in governments. The gap between rich and poor is growing. This could lead to more social problems. Young activists in poorer countries are fighting back. They are asking for a fairer sharing of money. They want governments to help everyone, not just a few rich people. The Oxfam report is a strong call to change how the world economy works.