🏛️ Public supports return of housing tax for better services

Oneliner

A recent OpinionWay survey shows that 39% of French citizens support reinstating the housing tax to improve local public services, a surprising shift given its abolition in 2017. The tax's removal has cost local authorities about €20 billion annually, raising concerns about service funding. Support is strongest among left-leaning voters, while government officials, including President Macron, oppose its return. The survey also highlights a willingness among the public to engage in civic duties, reflecting a desire for better-funded local services.

Key points

• 39% of French citizens favor reinstating the housing tax to enhance local public services.
• The abolition of the tax in 2017 has led to a €20 billion annual loss for local budgets.
• Support for the tax's return is strongest among left-leaning voters, with 52% backing it.
• Despite public sentiment, government officials, including Macron, oppose reinstating the tax.

Links

• immobilier.lefigaro.fr: Quatre Français sur dix favorables au retour de la taxe d’habitation
• BFMTV: Le retour de la taxe d'habitation, pour de meilleurs services publics? 40% des Français disent étonnamment...

Facts

• 39% of French citizens support reinstating the housing tax.
• The abolition of the tax has led to a €20 billion annual loss for local budgets.
• 74% of respondents are satisfied with local services, but 73% believe they lack sufficient resources.
• Support for the tax's return is highest among left-leaning voters, with 52% backing it.

Quotes

• This desire to reinstate a tax is an exceptionally rare phenomenon. It reflects the French attachment to local public services and their concern about their underfunding — Johan Theuret

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