Oxfam Reports Rising Billionaire Wealth and Political Influence, Highlights India's Reservation System

Oxfam International's 2026 inequality report highlights that billionaires are 4,000 times more likely to hold political office than ordinary citizens, raising concerns about democratic stability amid rising wealth concentration. The report notes billionaire wealth surged 16% in 2025 to $18.3 trillion, intensifying economic divides. It cites India's political reservation system for marginalized groups as a notable example of empowering ordinary citizens politically. Oxfam calls for policies to reduce inequality and limit billionaire influence in politics.