“Exceptionally, temporarily”, the largest companies “will be able to make their contributions”, indicates the president of Medef

Patrick Martin has backtracked on his statement on Monday that he was “ready to discuss” a corporate tax increase, subject to conditions.

“It will not be the companies that will be the adjustment variables, but if necessary, exceptionally, temporarily, they will be able to make their contributions, but in small proportions”reaffirmed the president of Medef, Patrick Martin, guest of franceinfo Tuesday September 24. He explained Monday that his movement was “ready to discuss” of an increase in corporate taxes, but with conditions. He estimated that “If there has to be a surcharge on businesses, it has to be very targeted and reasonable in amount” And “exceptional, that is to say only for 2025”.

As the new government seeks revenue to fill the public deficit, Patrick Martin detailed his “terms” : “We first expect the State to make savings in the country which has the highest compulsory levies in the world, the greatest public spending and despite everything colossal deficits”. Then, that the State “take into account the economic situation, that it does not take measures against companies which, where this would imply savings, would in reality increase the deficit and slow down growth”.

“Let’s start at the beginning: let’s not increase the tax burden even further so that it ends up in the bottomless pit of public spending.”he stressed. “We have passed the pain threshold in terms of taxation”he warned. If the Prime Minister promised on Sunday not to “not to further increase taxes on all French people”he mentioned “targeted levies on wealthy individuals or certain large companies” to help restore public finances. Patrick Martin said he was “in a constructive attitude” For “finding the right settings to assume our responsibilities and force the State to take courageous decisions” and not affect “French competitiveness”.

The president of the employers’ organization recalled that “French companies are the most taxed in the world on social security contributions, strictly speaking” and has “warned that large companies already pay more taxes and charges than small ones, so we should not push the envelope too far“. On all the tax avenues targeting businesses, Patrick Martin has shown himself to be reserved, such as on a reduction in the Research Tax Credit (CIR).

The president of the employers’ organization also suggested ways to make savings to Michel Barnier’s government.The Court of Auditors has documented that social fraud costs 6 to 8 billion euros per year, we must resolutely fight against this fraud”he recommended. He encourages looking for savings on the side of “more than 450 public agencies that cost taxpayers 91 billion euros per year and for some, we don’t even know what they are for anymore”. Another track, according to him: “the social protection system for cross-border workers, particularly French people working in Switzerland, which costs social security systems 800 million euros per year”. “It is perfectly identified”he pointed out. “Rather than seeking savings at the expense of the competitiveness of businesses, let’s start by resolving these problems, and then we’ll discuss”he assured.