Éric Lombard, the former Minister of Economy, expressed his views on RTL regarding the number of wealthy households in France that evade income tax. He indicated that the official figures provided by the French government to the Senate, which claim over 13,000 such households, are likely underestimated. Lombard's comments come amidst ongoing debates about tax equity and the recently approved 2026 budget.

During his analysis, Lombard suggested that there could be between 13,000 and 'less than 100,000' wealthy families who do not contribute to income tax due to loopholes or tax planning strategies that allow them to declare a zero taxable income. This assertion argues against the fairness of the current tax system in France and raises questions about the economic impact of allowing a significant number of affluent families to escape taxation.

This discussion is particularly timely given the ongoing scrutiny of fiscal policies and tax reforms in France. The implications of Lombard's remarks suggest a growing concern over the fairness of the tax burden distribution in a nation grappling with economic recovery and public spending commitments. As debates about tax equity continue, Lombard's estimation might influence public perception and policymakers’ approaches towards wealthy tax contributors in the future.