The vast masquerade following actor Gérard Depardieu’s decision to move to Belgium to benefit from a more favorable tax regime compared to France had both political and controversial repercussions even in Nice. That says it all!
First of all, MP Rudy Salles, known for being measured in his remarks, tweeted his support for the actor by calling for nothing less than the formation of a support committee! For what purpose?
While everyone is entitled to their own opinion, these comments are hardly understandable and beg a simple question: Does Rudy Salles have nothing better to do at this time of the morning?
Not to be outdone, here’s the response from Xavier Garcia, spokesperson for the Azurian Socialist Party: Support Committee for Depardieu: the astonishing proposal from Rudy Salles.
« At first, I thought it was a hoax, but Rudy Salles’ proposal to « create a support committee for Gérard Depardieu » is completely serious.
In the midst of our public finance crisis, for a Member of Parliament to glorify tax exile like this is simply astonishing.
Reserving one’s indignation for a millionaire actor, who was recently noted for urinating on a plane and causing traffic accidents while drunk, is an insult to our country, especially to the millions of our compatriots living below the poverty line« .
Here too, there is a mix of genres: The actor’s personal « exploits » aren’t in the same category as his decision made purely for fiscal reasons. Throwing everything in together doesn’t help maintain a certain balance in analyzing an act that carries significant symbolic weight.
But doesn’t this entire story deserve to be classified under « Risus teneatis, amici? » (Horace, Ars poetica).
Because, let’s admit it, in this entire masquerade, there are no great principles invoked by Gérard Depardieu or his detractors but just a great variety show where the protagonist is not a great actor but a crafty one!
Wouldn’t it be better to view this with irony and amusement?
Thus, La Libre Belgique headlined on December 17 on the “Actor all-terrain seeks favorable tax climate”.
Bon voyage, Mr. Depardieu, and good riddance!
