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France Council Blocks 75% Tax on Millionaires

Government plans to resubmit plan soon

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 29, 2012 11:31 AM CST

(Newser) – French President Francois Hollande's controversial plan to levy a 75% tax on income above 1 million euro ($1.3 million) has been rejected by a constitutional council, reports Reuters. The tax had been set to go into effect in 2013, despite the protests of many the nation's high earners, most notably actor Gerard Depardieu. The government plans to rework the measure and resubmit it.

Hollande stands a chance of success because the council's objection seemed narrow: It says the law as written could be applied unfairly. For example, a couple who made just under 1 million euro each would escape the rate. But another couple, with one earner above the threshold and the other below it, would not. The planned tax rate wouldn't affect many people and is "largely symbolic," reports the Telegraph. But Depardieu and others are threatening to leave for good if it becomes law.

In this 2010 file picture, French actor Gerard Depardieu tests a glass of wine. He was infuriated by the millionaires' tax.
In this 2010 file picture, French actor Gerard Depardieu tests a glass of wine. He was infuriated by the millionaires' tax.   (AP Photo/ Roberto Pfeil/dapd, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 18 comments
coclr
Dec 30, 2012 10:36 PM CST
What's wrong with this french constitutional council?  A 100% tax is the only way to true prosperity. Just ask the Soviets.
JoeNobody
Dec 29, 2012 3:56 PM CST
I think the principle is just fine but 75% is a little much.  On the other hand maybe not.  Warren Buffett is quoted as saying something along the lines that back when a stratospheric level of income was taxed at around 90%, he didnt see any investors shrinking back at "any" opportunity to make money anyhow.  And old Bill Gates Sr was featured in "liberal' pro - tax TV ad sitting on the board in a dunk tank saying it was perfectly okay to "soak" rich people such as himself.   These two must give the Fox Newsophiles and their guru experts such as kindly, sweet,  loveable old Bill "Ice Water Veins"  OReilly, terrible nightmares.   
independent-one
Dec 29, 2012 3:37 PM CST
Finally someone in France grew a spine.
 

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