In recent days, it’s been all over the news: Gérard Depardieu is becoming Russian. He’s doing it publicly, with maximum media attention, deliberately snubbing the Grande Nation—and, to be honest, me as well.
Personally, I’ve never cared much for Depardieu. I don’t particularly like his films, and I like him even less as a person. Too many times, he has made negative headlines with questionable behavior. My gut feeling has always been that he’s an unpleasant man—and the way he’s leaving France only confirms it.
The “Millionaire Tax”
Depardieu’s move is meant as a protest against the so-called “millionaire tax”—a 75% top rate for very high incomes. But here’s an important clarification: this does not mean the entire income is taxed at 75%. Only the portion above€1,000,000 per year is.
So, for example: someone earning €1.25 million would pay the highest tax rate only on the extra €250,000. That nuance often gets lost in the public debate.
France in Crisis
France itself is in deep trouble:
- high crime in the Paris suburbs,
- high unemployment,
- and a society struggling with a widening gap between rich and poor.
Like many countries, France is trying to close that gap. That doesn’t just mean giving more to the poor, but also asking the wealthy to contribute more.
Do the Rich Owe Something Back?
Why are the rich rich? Large fortunes rarely come from manual labor alone. No one can seriously argue that Depardieu worked harder than a factory worker, or that a banker puts in more effort than a nurse.
To be clear, I’m not envious. Many wealthy people worked hard, took risks, and seized opportunities. They deserve their success—at least in most cases. But the truth is: they only can succeed because the rest of society supports them.
- Depardieu earns millions because cinema audiences buy tickets.
- Bankers make fortunes because ordinary people entrust their savings to them.
So yes—I believe they owe something back. To the country that raised them, built them up, and provided the infrastructure they benefit from. Depardieu’s films were even partially subsidized with taxpayer money.
And now, this chubby, eccentric man stands there praising Russia as a “great democracy.” A statement he likely makes for money—money taxed at just 13%, Russia’s flat tax rate.
Tax Flight and Betrayal
Of course, tax flight is nothing new. Athletes, movie stars, entrepreneurs—many have moved to tax havens. I don’t condone it in any case. These are people who already have far more than they need, often more than they can even spend.
But rarely has anyone been as blatant and spiteful as Gérard Depardieu—leaving his country in full public view, mocking it on the way out. He allows himself to be used by Putin, a man with as much to do with democracy as pigs have with flying.
If that’s how Depardieu wants it, then let him stay in Russia. As for me, I’ve decided to avoid his films altogether from now on. Frankly, it would be a better deal if Russia sent Pussy Riot to France in exchange. Now that would be a good trade.
Non, non, monsieur Depardieu!
