Once again, the contentious Zucman tax is back on the table. The measure, a wealth tax on ultra-rich individuals inspired by French economist Gabriel Zucman, had passed by a wide margin in the Assemblée Nationale in February, was shelved by the Sénat in June and has now resurfaced at the forefront of political debate. The key question is: Will it be included in the next government budget or not? The left is adamant on implementing it. The right opposes it, but has admitted a problem exists and is considering alternatives. Whether or not Prime Minister François Bayrou's government falls on Monday, September 8, the issue is sure to stay in the spotlight.

Not least because the left has made the Zucman tax into its flagship issue. It is the number one measure in the "shadow budget" presented by the Socialists on August 30, and the party deems it essential for any potential government agreement with Macron's supporters and the rest of the right. "Placing the burden first and foremost on those who have the most is the basis of any possible compromise," said Raphaël Glucksmann (Place Publique, center left) in an interview with Libération published Wednesday, September 3. The Greens, meanwhile, also mention the Zucman tax in the "letter to the French" they are about to distribute, adding that it was at their MPs' initiative that the proposal was initially passed in February.

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