“You, our global representatives, must tax us, the ultra-rich, and you must start now. » In a letter relayed on Wednesday January 18 by the NGO Oxfam and addressed to world leaders, gathered in Davos on the occasion of the World Economic Forum, more than 200 millionaires and billionaires ask to be taxed more for the ” common good “.
These argue that“In the first two years of the pandemic the ten richest men in the world doubled their wealth, while 99% of people saw their incomes drop. Billionaires and millionaires have seen their wealth increase by billions of dollars, while the sheer cost of living now cripples ordinary families around the world”.
In its latest report, Oxfam argues that since 2020, the richest 1% have captured 63% of the wealth produced, almost twice as much as the rest of the world’s population.
“Extremes are unsustainable, often dangerous and rarely tolerated for long. So why, in this age of multiple crises, do you continue to tolerate extreme wealth? », ask the signatories of this letter, who come from thirteen countries, including the American actor Mark Ruffalo or the American producer Abigail Disney, grand-niece of Walt Disney. Two Frenchmen are on the list: Jonathan Hallama and a certain Eugénie E., whose surname is not given.
As for France, the top ten French billionaires have increased their fortunes by 189 billion euros since the start of the pandemic, and Bernard Arnault, the richest man in the world, has a fortune equivalent to 20 million euros. French, details the NGO.
Bruno Le Maire’s response
“Tax the ultra-rich and do it now. It’s simple, common-sense economics.launch the signatories of this letter moreover. It’s an investment in our common good and a better future that we all deserve, and as millionaires we want to make that investment.”, can we also read in the letter titled “End the era of extreme wealth. Tax the ultra-rich”.
The request did not escape the French Minister of Economy and Finance, Bruno Le Maire. “Come to France, we will be able to tax you”replied the minister on Wednesday at the microphone of Franceinfo to the millionaires who signed the letter. “All wealthy people who want to come to France are welcome, they will be taxed fairly and efficiently”he said. “The French Public Treasury accepts all checks”launched the Bercy tenant again.