As France’s government prepares to update property valuations-the first major reassessment in decades-a planned tax increase impacting an estimated 7.4 million homeowners is drawing sharp criticism from the political opposition. The update, set to take effect in 2026, is projected to generate an additional €466 million in revenue for local authorities, but opponents argue it places an unfair financial burden on residents already facing economic pressures.Today, the far-right National Rally party has publicly condemned the impending hike, signaling a potential new political flashpoint over cost-of-living concerns.
France’s far-right National Rally party is calling for a reversal of a planned property tax increase affecting 7.4 million homes, arguing homeowners are being unfairly targeted for revenue.
The French Ministry of the Economy’s updated property records will trigger the tax hike in 2026, according to a report from the AFP. The update is expected to generate an additional 466 million euros for local authorities.
The average property tax increase per affected home is estimated at 63 euros, the report indicated.
Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally, criticized the move as being implemented “behind the back of the national representation,” during a visit to the Milipol interior security exhibition near Paris on November 19th.
Bardella described the planned increase as “a blow to French homeowners” and urged Prime Minister to abandon the measure.
“I deplore that homeowners have become the government’s cash cows,” he added, speaking alongside Eric Ciotti, a political ally.
Bardella extended his call for a reversal to Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party, characterizing Faure as “the true Prime Minister of our country.”
“I hope he will quickly break free from the Stockholm syndrome he has developed towards Emmanuel Macron and Sébastien Lecornu, by stopping to become the crutch of a government that hits the working classes, the middle classes who have lied about everything,” he stated.
arz/sde/abl
published on November 19th at 11:18 AM, AFP
