• Bernard Arnault condemned a proposed 2% tax on billionaires, calling it an assault on France's economy.
• The tax plan, advocating for the ultra-rich to pay more, has gained significant support from left-wing parties.
• Economist Gabriel Zucman refuted Arnault's claims, stressing the need for respect in economic debates.
• Political figures from the left have rallied behind Zucman, criticizing Arnault's characterizations.

French billionaire Bernard Arnault, head of luxury goods conglomerate LVMH, has publicly denounced a proposed 2% tax targeting billionaires, labeling it an attack on the French economy. During an interview with the Sunday Times, Arnault accused the plan's architect, economist Gabriel Zucman, of being a "far-left activist" intent on "destroying the French economy." He contended that "this is clearly not a technical or economic debate" but rather a deliberate effort to dismantle the liberal economic framework that he believes benefits all of society, according to Reuters and Le Monde.

The proposed tax, which would target wealth above 100 million euros, has garnered overwhelming public support, with **an Ifop poll indicating 86% approval**. This has spurred political support from leftist parties, including the Socialist Party, which is critical for Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's government as it aims to address France's mounting debt and budget deficit. However, right-wing factions express concerns that such a tax could lead the wealthy to leave France, as reported by Le Monde and Bangkok Post.

In response to Arnault's accusations, Zucman emphasized the importance of factual truth in economic discussions. He remarked, "This debate must take place with respect for the truth and the facts," countering Arnault's characterization of him as a "pseudo-academic." Zucman pointed out that he has never been an activist and urged for a rational discourse instead of personal attacks. He noted that the proposed tax could potentially generate around €20 billion annually from just 1,800 households, according to Bangkok Post and Reuters.

Support for Zucman has come from numerous leftist leaders, including Socialist leader Olivier Faure and Greens leader Marine Tondelier, both of whom criticized Arnault's comments as a reflection of the disconnect between the ultra-rich and societal responsibilities. Tondelier's remarks highlighted the irony of Arnault's conflict of interest in the discussion, asserting that he demonstrates a lack of solidarity with the country that supports him, which was echoed in critiques by notable economists, such as Thomas Piketty, Zucman's mentor, who dismissed Arnault's claims as "talking nonsense," as noted by Le Monde and Bangkok Post.