Luc Besson Advocates for Higher Taxes on the Wealthy
In a recent publication in La Tribune, renowned filmmaker Luc Besson has voiced strong support for a temporary tax increase on the wealthiest individuals in France, specifically targeting households earning over 500,000 euros annually. This statement follows the government's announcement of a new tax aimed at addressing the country's public finance crisis. Besson, who identifies as part of this affluent group, argues that opposing such a measure is 'indecent' and highlights the growing wealth disparity in the nation. He notes that since the early 2000s, the wealth gap has widened significantly, contributing to societal issues such as poverty and inadequate housing for millions of French citizens.
Besson emphasizes the moral responsibility of the wealthy to contribute more to society, stating, 'Shame on these rich people, most often heirs, who cling to their nest egg like a mussel to its rock.' He believes that nearly all societal problems stem from this imbalance and calls for immediate action to alleviate the plight of the impoverished. As part of his advocacy, he expresses a willingness to pay higher taxes, asserting that the state must fulfill its duty to care for its most vulnerable citizens.
The Call for Redistribution and State Responsibility
During a recent general policy speech, Prime Minister Michel Barnier indicated that the wealthiest French citizens would bear a greater financial burden in the upcoming 2025 budget, as part of efforts to restore fiscal balance. This includes the extension of a surtax on high incomes, which has been debated in the National Assembly against the government's initial stance.
Besson's remarks resonate amid a broader conversation about wealth distribution in France, where approximately 9 million people live below the poverty line, and nearly 4 million lack decent housing. He insists that the state plays a crucial role in wealth distribution, arguing that 'trickle-down economics is an illusion; redistribution is an obligation.' Besson's call to action not only reflects his personal experiences with financial difficulties but also serves as a broader critique of the socio-economic structures that perpetuate inequality.
