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Wealth inequality is on the rise around the world and right here in Europe. The wealthiest 5 percent of the population in the Eurozone control 45 percent of net household wealth. Just three countries on the continent have imposed a tax on individual net wealth: Norway, Switzerland and EU member state Spain. Nearly eight years on from French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to cut taxes on rich individuals and companies, a debate has been rekindled in France, thanks to economist Gabriel Zucman, nicknamed "the billionaire's nightmare" by French daily Le Monde. Zucman has been advocating for a 2 percent annual tax on households that own more than €100 million in assets. Read moreFrance's National Assembly rejects proposals for taxing the ultra-wealthy For supporters, it represents tax justice at a time when European member states are being called to spend more on security and defence. Opponents fear it could it instead drive away Europe's wealthiest taxpayers and businesses. We do the maths with two MEPs at the European Parliament in Brussels. Programme prepared by Oihana Almandoz, Perrine Desplats and Isabelle Romero. |