78% of French People Say Taxes Are Too High: Record Dissatisfaction Amid Fiscal Frustration

Discover why 78% of French citizens view taxes as excessively high, a new record per the latest CPO survey. Explore gaps in public spending efficiency, persistent tax morale, and France’s 2025 budget challenges for expats in France.

France is witnessing unprecedented levels of tax discontent, with a recent survey highlighting growing frustration over high taxes and inefficient public spending. This surge in dissatisfaction comes as the country’s public deficit balloons, raising concerns for residents and expats alike.

Record-High Tax Grievances Hit 78%

The latest barometer from the Conseil des prélèvements obligatoires (CPO), released on November 27, reveals that 78% of French adults now believe overall taxation levels are too high—up from 75% in the previous edition. Conducted by Harris Interactive/Toluna with 3,055 respondents, the poll also shows 72% dissatisfaction with how public money is used, compared to 65% in 2021 and 68% in 2023.

Only 19% see taxes as fairly balanced, while a mere 3% think they are too low. This trend aligns with France’s 2024 public deficit reaching 6% of GDP, fueling broader economic worries.

Efficiency Gap with Eurozone Peers

Marking the CPO’s 20th anniversary, Banque de France Governor François Villeroy de Galhau delivered a stark assessment. France ties with Finland for the highest public spending in the eurozone at 9.6 percentage points of GDP above the average (excluding France), equating to about €280 billion in 2024—two-thirds tied to social protection costs.

Key disparity: France shares a similar European social model but at a higher cost, indicating an “efficiency gap.”
Public sentiment: Just 30% of French people feel satisfied with public services relative to taxes paid.

For expats in France, this means scrutinizing how tax burdens affect daily life, from healthcare to infrastructure.

Tax Morale Holds Firm Despite Gripes

Despite the backlash, fiscal citizenship remains robust. The CPO notes that 79% of respondents view paying taxes and social contributions as a civic duty, with widespread condemnation of tax evasion, fiscal exile, and undeclared work.

This resilience persists amid the 2025 budget, passed in February after tense debates, projecting a 5.4% GDP deficit. It includes €50 billion in savings, €20 billion from tax hikes, with the 3% deficit target delayed to 2029.

Implications for Expats and Residents

Budget watch: Monitor hikes in income, VAT, or social charges that could impact non-EU expats.
Efficiency reforms: Potential cuts in social spending may reshape benefits like family allowances or pensions.
Eurozone context: France’s spending outlier status pressures EU compliance, possibly leading to austerity measures.

As an expat in France, staying informed on these shifts is crucial for financial planning—especially with ongoing deficit pressures.