Overview

• LVMH chief Bernard Arnault called the wealth levy an effort to "destroy the French economy" and described Gabriel Zucman as a far-left activist.
• Zucman rejected the accusation on X and in interviews, saying he has never been an activist and that his proposals rest on academic research.
• The plan would impose a 2% charge on assets above €100 million, and Zucman estimates about 1,800 households would be affected.
• Revenue projections vary, with Socialist lawmakers citing roughly €15 billion annually while Zucman has indicated around €20 billion.
• Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu faces pressure as Socialists threaten a confidence vote over the 2026 budget, and an Ifop poll reports 86% public approval for the levy.