Sarkozy Backs Increased Environmental Levies

by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels

29 October 2007

French President Nicholas Sarkozy has spoken out about the urgent need for increased taxes on the use of materials currently contributing to global warming.

Alongside this "green tax", Mr. Sarkozy has also suggested that European imports not covered by the Kyoto Protocol should be subject to a levy.

Speaking at a conference held at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Mr. Sarkozy announced, according to reports, that: "“The time for action has come. We have waited too long; we can not wait any longer.”

In his speech, Sarkozy talked about plans to develop energy efficiency in buildings and ways to advocate greener vehicles. One such example was the suggestion for an embargo on all incandescent light bulbs by 2010, and to replace single-pane windows with double-glazed versions.

Sarkozy went on, according to AFP, to announce that: "I want this forum to be the founding act of a new kind of politics. An environmental new deal in France and the world. "

A key concern expresssed by the French President was the world's dependancy upon carbon, and he additionally pledged not to build any more nuclear-based energy stations in France, according to reports.

Concluding his speech, Mr. Sarkozy sought to reassure French taxpayers, announcing, according to the Boston Globe, that:

"I am against any extra tax that would weigh on households and companies."

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