An Open Letter to French Decision-Makers on Preserving France’s Leadership in Global Solidarity

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Over the past years, France has made substantial strides in international development, significantly increasing its Official Development Assistance (ODA) and championing innovative financial solutions to support the world’s most vulnerable populations. France has demonstrated leadership by leveraging Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and implementing solidarity levies, ensuring those responsible for pollution contribute to global well-being. By enshrining the 0.7% ODA target into law (2021), France has underscored its commitment to international solidarity. This legacy of bold action dates back to initiatives like President Chirac’s (2005) aviation levy funding the global AIDS response, followed by Presidents Sarkozy (2012) and Hollande’s (2017) financial transaction tax, earmarked for global health and climate. 

President Macron has continued this legacy, with his Summit for a New Global Financing Pact held in June 2023 in Paris, resulting in the Paris Pact for People and the Planet, and a Task Force focused on expanding global solidarity levies.

In recent years, France has been a critical partner in building a world where nations don’t have to choose between addressing extreme poverty and combating climate change. We have counted on France to lead with purpose and vision.

Yet, the latest budget proposal tells a different story. The proposal includes a 35% reduction in ODA — a disproportionately severe cut, especially when compared to other budget lines and to the actions of other countries. Additionally, it proposes to dismantle the “solidarity” aspect of key taxes, severing the link between these revenues and their use for development and international aid.

The justification seems to be fiscal constraints. But has France’s global stature ever been defined by such constraints? This is not the France we know. During times of crisis, it is vital to preserve financing that addresses global challenges — a sentiment echoed by 58% of the French population (poll YouGov analysed by the Aid Attitudes Tracker, the Development Engagement Lab, University College London and the University of Birmingham), who express their unconditional support for such efforts.

We know that these proposed cuts now amount to nearly 2 billion euros. While such savings might barely influence France’s fiscal position or credit rating, they will cause profound harm on the ground, both to vulnerable communities and to France’s long-standing reputation as a global leader. 2 billion euros could help vaccinate 200 million children against deadly diseases - more than 3 times the French population! Fortunately, there are viable alternatives to these cuts. Proposals are already on the table to strengthen the Financial Transaction Tax, with potential revenue increases of 2 billion euros, all without changing its scope or rate. 2 billion euros is the exact same amount the government wants to cut in this life saving budget. 

We call on France to continue leading by example. Reverse these harmful cuts, strengthen the Financial Transaction Tax, and maintain the solidarity taxes — a distinct emblem of French pride. France’s legacy as a leader in global solidarity, a champion for equity, and a defender of the most vulnerable must not be compromised.

The call to sign this open letter is being shared by

Global Citizen, Action Santé Mondiale et ONE

Signed By

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