France’s Penchant for Soaking the Rich Returns in Budget Crisis

A sign calling for the reinstatement of the wealth tax (ISF) during a demonstration in Toulouse, on Sept. 10.

Photographer: Pat Batard/AFP/Getty Images

French political parties with the leverage to prevent another government collapse are clamoring for a return of the kind of tax-the-rich policies that President Emmanuel Macron had sought to consign to the history books.

From the far left to the far right, the idea that the wealthy should shoulder more of the burden is gaining momentum as Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu seeks support to remain in office and secure passage of the 2026 budget. Both his predecessors were ousted in National Assembly votes over fiscal plans.