Suppose you have been hired by President Emmanuel Macron of France as an economic policy consultant. In order to finance an increase in unemployment benefits, the French government needs to raise €10 billion in additional tax revenue. President Macron is considering two policies to achieve this goal: a new tax on gasoline or a new tax on bequests (money left to your children or other heirs). Which of these two policies would be the most economically efficient? Why? Explain why the policy you recommended in a.) might be politically unpopular. Dismayed by your assessment, President Macron proposes a third alternative: a broad decrease in current taxes. Explain why this could increase tax revenue for the French government, but it is unlikely to work in practice.

Suppose you have been hired by President Emmanuel Macron of France as an economic policy consultant. In order to finance an increase in unemployment benefits, the French government needs to raise €10...

Suppose you have been hired by President Emmanuel Macron of France as an economic policy consultant. In order to finance an increase in unemployment benefits, the French government needs to raise €10 billion in additional tax revenue. President Macron is considering two policies to achieve this goal: a new tax on gasoline or a new tax on bequests (money left to your children or other heirs).

Dismayed by your assessment, President Macron proposes a third alternative: a broad decrease in current taxes. Explain why this could increase tax revenue for the French government, but it is unlikely to work in practice.

Jun 09, 2022