French director Luc Besson in favour of government’s higher taxes for wealthiest

French director Luc Besson (Leon, The Fifth Element, Dogman) has stated that he is in favour of paying more tax, as he deplores a “wealth gap that has continued to widen since the early 2000s.”

In a recent interview with French outlet La Tribune, Besson denounces those who oppose a surtax and explains that he is happy to pay more “to deal with the crisis in public finances.” 

"The Prime Minister has proposed temporarily overtaxing the rich, in other words French tax households earning more than 500,000 euros a year. I fall into this category and I am entirely in favour of this measure. I even find it indecent to oppose it,” said the 65-year-old filmmaker.

His statement follows the French government's announcement of a “temporary and exceptional contribution” for the wealthiest households. Prime Minister Michel Barnier announced that the “wealthiest French citizens” would be asked to contribute more as part of the 2025 budget to restore the country's finances.

According to public authorities, this tax on the highest incomes would affect 65,000 tax households - 0.3% of taxpayers currently paying income tax.

In France, "9 million people live below the poverty line,” added Besson. “Nearly 4 million of our compatriots are without decent housing ", and for him, “almost all the ills of our society stem from this imbalance.”

“So yes, I agree with paying more tax, even a little more if necessary, and shame on those rich people, mostly heirs, who cling to their loot like a mussel to its rock", he added. 

On the other hand, Besson expects concrete action to be taken in return for this surcharge: “I expect the French state to respect its duty, its function and its compatriots, and to really look after the most disadvantaged among us.”

“It's the state that distributes wealth. Not the rich. Trickle-down is an illusion; redistribution is an obligation.”

He added: “These figures must be reduced without delay.”

Additional sources • La Tribune