Oxfam France Director Questions Billionaires on the Zucman Tax
Quentin Parrinello, who leads Oxfam France, has directly contacted several of the country's largest fortunes to ask them about the Zucman tax. This proposal, created by economist Gabriel Zucman, proposes taxing household wealth exceeding one hundred million euros. The goal was to learn firsthand the stance of those who would be affected. 🎯
A Private Dialogue with Diverse Responses
As Parrinello explains, the conversations revealed a complex landscape. Not all those consulted outright opposed the tax; some even showed an open attitude or presented nuances during the dialogue. However, there was one point of unanimity: none agreed to have their opinion made public or their name linked to a specific stance. This silence contrasts with the variety of viewpoints expressed behind closed doors. 🤫
Key Points from the Consultations:- The contact was direct and personal with the billionaires.
- Private stances were not uniformly negative.
- There is a clear rejection of taking a public position on the issue.
The fact that some do not outright reject it in private suggests that the debate on taxing the highest wealth is gaining ground.
The Purpose of the Tax and Its Context
The fiscal initiative seeks to reduce extreme economic inequality. Its technical design aims to make it difficult to evade, closing the usual avenues that large fortunes use to avoid taxes. That some of these people do not reject the idea in private conversations indicates that the topic is advancing, even among those who might pay it. However, the absence of public support reflects fear of a politically delicate positioning. ⚖️
Central Aspects of the Zucman Proposal:- Taxes wealth above 100 million euros.
- It is designed to minimize tax evasion.
- It emerges as a tool against extreme wealth concentration.
The Meaning of Public Silence
It is understandable that these people prefer to keep their opinions private, especially when it comes to a tax that, ironically, asks them to share more than just their viewpoint. This contrast between private dialogue and public silence underscores the political sensitivity of the issue and how the debate on taxing great wealth remains highly conditioned. Parrinello's report reveals that, although the discussion is advancing, the public battle is far from defined. 🛡️