Call for Transparency as Thousands of Wealthy French Allegedly Pay No Income Tax

Eric Coquerel, president of the National Assembly's Finance Committee from the left-wing party LFI, has formally requested documents from the Ministry of Economy (Bercy) following eye-opening claims by former Economy Minister Eric Lombard. Lombard revealed in a recent interview that an analysis by France’s General Directorate of Public Finances (DGFiP) identified "thousands" of wealthy individuals declaring zero taxable income, resulting in their paying no income tax at all. He criticized the practice whereby some rich individuals receive payments through holding companies rather than salaries to sidestep social charges, describing this as legal but unjust.

Lombard’s remarks stirred significant reactions, particularly from left-wing politicians and the anti-globalization group Attac. Economist Gabriel Zucman called these statements "edifying," highlighting systemic failures to ensure that high earners contribute their fair share to taxation.

Reacting to this, Coquerel invoked his authority under the organic law on finance laws to demand that Public Accounts Minister Amélie de Montchalin provide any notes or analyses underpinning Lombard’s claims. However, the DGFiP declined to comment due to fiscal confidentiality obligations, and Bercy has not publicly responded to these requests.

This development intensifies calls for transparency and scrutiny of the tax practices that may allow substantial wealth to escape income taxation in France, shedding light on ongoing debates about tax fairness and reform.