The National Assembly adopted a variety of new taxes on November 6, 2024, driven by the left and the National Rally (RN) and against the government’s opposition. Measures included a tax on noisy motorcycles, a tax on share buybacks, and a strengthening of the financial transaction tax, among others. There was a rush to finish examining the revenue section of the state budget before midnight, resulting in the adoption of several amendments proposed by various parties.
One such amendment proposed by La France insoumise (LFI) aimed to create a 10% tax on share buybacks by companies. Another amendment, proposed by the president of the finance committee, Eric Coquerel (LFI), sought to enhance the effectiveness of the financial transaction tax by broadening its base, increasing its rate, and assigning tax collection to the general directorate of public finances. Additionally, there was an increase in the Gafam tax on digital giants, the introduction of an environmental harmonization kilometer tax, and a tax on companies violating the Copé-Zimmerman law on gender diversity in corporate leadership.
Several more specific tax measures were also approved, such as a tax for each animal used in scientific or educational research and a “noise tax” on loud motorized vehicles. The debates were heated, with alliances forming across party lines to pass certain amendments. However, there was also criticism of these alliances, particularly in the case of extending the tax on electronic communications operators to the Gafam companies, which led to accusations of collaborating with the far right.
The discussions also touched on the issue of naturalization fees, with proposals to significantly increase the fees for naturalization requests. These proposals sparked emotional exchanges between members of different parties, with accusations of inhumanity and personal affronts. The day’s debates also revealed divisions within the government camp, particularly in relation to immigration policy, which is supposed to be addressed in a new law proposed by the government.
Overall, the adoption of new taxes in the National Assembly showcased the complex dynamics of political alliances and divisions within the French legislative body. The opposition parties, particularly the left and the RN, were successful in pushing through various tax measures despite government resistance. The debates highlighted the different ideological positions and priorities of the various political parties, with tensions running high on certain issues such as taxation, immigration, and social policies.
