Inheritance taxed from the first euro: the CFDT's explosive proposal

The CFDT union wants wealthier retirees to contribute more to restoring public finances. Invited on RTL radio on Tuesday, its general secretary, Marylise Léon, declared herself ready to work with the government on this avenue, as the executive branch seeks €28 billion in savings for its 2027 budget.

The union leader, however, did not specify the pension level at which this contribution would apply. Refusing to propose a "magic number," she did not choose between thresholds of 2,000, 3,000, or 4,000 euros per month. The CFDT primarily advocates for a shared burden among different segments of the population.

A new tax system for all inheritances

Marylise Léon also supports the principle of taxing inheritances "from the first euro." Presented as a measure of social justice, this proposal would eliminate the principle of completely tax-free inheritance, even if the amount levied could remain very low for modest estates.

The CFDT wants to include this issue in discussions with the candidates for the 2027 presidential election, with the exception of Marine Le Pen . According to its general secretary, political leaders will have to be willing to defend measures that may displease a portion of their own electorate.

A politically very sensitive proposal

Today, a majority of inheritances escape inheritance tax thanks to the various allowances provided by law. In 2022, Bruno Le Maire, then Minister of the Economy, estimated that two-thirds of inheritances were not subject to any taxation. Introducing a levy on the first euro would therefore considerably increase the number of people affected.

Inheritance tax is gradually emerging as a key economic issue in the presidential campaign. Raphaël Glucksmann has already proposed a tax on large transfers of wealth. The CFDT union's position goes further in principle, but remains vague on the rates, allowances, and the threshold defining a wealthy retiree. These details will determine the real impact of these measures on households.