The National Assembly has rejected an amendment that would have made prize money for French Olympic medalists tax-free. This measure will be divisive, with both the right and the government supporting it. But representatives made the opposite decision, much to the dismay of the budget minister…
It’s a topic that’s been debated since the last Olympics: should the prize money received by French medalists be tax-free? The National Assembly has just decided to reject an amendment that would have made these gains tax-free. This was a decision that was not unanimous, far from it.
Amendments proposed by the right and supported by the government
It all started with a bill introduced by right-wing MP Corentin Le Fur. The goal: to ensure that French athletes who reach the podium at the Olympics do not have to pay taxes on the prize money paid by the state to reward their performance. According to the standards set by the Ministry of Sports, the gold medal bonus is 80.000 euros, the silver medal bonus is 40.000 euros and the bronze medal bonus is 20.000 euros.
This amendment has the strong support of the government’s Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin. The latter sees this as a way to support and encourage the French champions, arguing that the country does not need the “four to five million euros” that come with these prizes currently levied on medal winners.
Debate revives after Paris Olympics
The issue is already roiling the political landscape during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Two-time Olympic judo champion David Douillet was particularly incensed by the imposition, which he called a “scandal” that forced former Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire to position himself in favor of tax exemptions.
But not all athletes agree. Some, like pole vaulter Renaud LaVerne, believe they must contribute like all citizens. “We are lucky that France has a good system that allows us to receive aid, so it is normal that we pay taxes,” he declared after winning a medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Congress Says No to Tax Exemptions
It is therefore against this background that representatives are asked to decide on this thorny issue during the debate on the 2025 Finance Bill on Wednesday, 23 March. To everyone’s surprise, the amendment was voted down by a show of hands.
The decision was far from unanimous among the half-circle of benches. “I’m surprised that you don’t like our champion,” Laurent Saint-Martin expressed annoyance to the elected representatives of the national assembly who voted against the measure. The organization defended itself, with the voice of its president, Marine Le Pen, arguing that “athletes must be treated like all French people”.
Disagreements among key stakeholders
Athletes are also divided on the issue. If some figures, like judoka Teddy Rina, have long campaigned for full immunity, others, like biathlete Martin Fourcade, believe in “giving back a little of what the country has given us.” normal.
I support the tax, maybe not 100%, but we have to be part of the national effort. Our premiums are already high.
– Martin Fourcade Statement 2018
It is unclear whether the rejection at first reading marks the end of the debate or whether the issue will return to the table in the coming weeks. One thing is for sure, the topic is far from a consensus and will undoubtedly continue to spark discussion in the world of politics and sports.
Meanwhile, medal winners at the next Olympics must be prepared to head to the tax office after returning from their exploits. It’s a heavy blow to their wallets, but perhaps also a reminder that behind every championship there is first and foremost a citizen. Have the same rights and bear the same obligations.
But not all athletes agree. Some, like pole vaulter Renaud LaVerne, believe they must contribute like all citizens. “We are lucky that France has a good system that allows us to receive aid, so it is normal that we pay taxes,” he declared after winning a medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Congress Says No to Tax Exemptions
It is therefore against this background that representatives are asked to decide on this thorny issue during the debate on the 2025 Finance Bill on Wednesday, 23 March. To everyone’s surprise, the amendment was voted down by a show of hands.
The decision was far from unanimous among the half-circle of benches. “I’m surprised that you don’t like our champion,” Laurent Saint-Martin expressed annoyance to the elected representatives of the national assembly who voted against the measure. The organization defended itself, with the voice of its president, Marine Le Pen, arguing that “athletes must be treated like all French people”.
Disagreements among key stakeholders
Athletes are also divided on the issue. If some figures, like judoka Teddy Rina, have long campaigned for full immunity, others, like biathlete Martin Fourcade, believe in “giving back a little of what the country has given us.” normal.
I support the tax, maybe not 100%, but we have to be part of the national effort. Our premiums are already very high.
– Martin Fourcade Statement 2018
It is unclear whether the rejection at first reading marks the end of the debate or whether the issue will return to the table in the coming weeks. One thing is for sure, the topic is far from a consensus and will undoubtedly continue to spark discussion in the world of politics and sports.
Meanwhile, medal winners at the next Olympics must be prepared to head to the tax office after returning from their exploits. It’s a heavy blow to their wallets, but perhaps also a reminder that behind every championship there is first and foremost a citizen. Have the same rights and bear the same obligations.
