Overview

• Bernard Arnault labeled Gabriel Zucman a “militant d’extrême gauche” in a Sunday Times statement and warned the proposal seeks to “put down” France’s economy, according to coverage on September 20.
• Zucman rejected the political charge, citing his academic record and arguing the plan would ensure billionaires contribute at rates comparable to other citizens, reported Le Point.
• Fresh polling shows around 86% support for the 2% levy among French respondents, including majorities across party sympathies such as Renaissance (92%) and Les Républicains (89%), per Ifop/Ipsos surveys published this week.
• The proposal sets a 2% annual minimum on fortunes above €100 million—about 1,800 households—with supporters estimating up to roughly €20 billion in yearly revenue and a base that includes professional assets.
• Employer groups and executives condemned the tax as a threat to investment and “spoliation” of business assets, though some, like MAIF’s Pascal Demurger, called for a contribution from wealthy households even if details require adjustment; the National Assembly passed the measure in February before the Senate blocked it in June.