Paper 9

Jul 7

2 min read

For a new Europe: an action plan!

Starting from five priorities, let us define an action plan and give it the means to rebuild Europe.

Let us propose measures that are understandable, simple to apply and to monitor, fair, that guarantee the social elevator and encourage virtuous behaviour: cutting costs, saving, work, solidarity.

In the short term: accelerate what is under way

Begin lifting the lockdown: Covid-19 morbidity differs according to age; the lockdown would be voluntary and address only people at risk, the majority of the population would build up immunity on its own, and little by little the pandemic would die out, pending the vaccine.
Gradually restart work: by encouraging teleworking, adopting flexible hours and observing hygiene precautions, while excluding immunodeficient people.
Support the weakest: monetary creation for the benefit of viable companies and the weakest individuals by means of “helicopter” money.

In the medium term: begin the tax reforms

1. Economic policy: there will no longer be a price to be paid by future generations to repay the States' astronomical debts, through a complete cancellation of public and intra-European debts and a drastic reduction in public spending — NEW CURRENCY reform.

2. The environment: let us stop destroying the planet, by favouring short supply chains, the circular economy, alternative energies and nuclear, through a TAX ON ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS.

3. Inequalities: they are exaggerated; let us simplify personal income tax through the TAX ON PERSONAL INCOME and corporate tax through the TAX ON CORPORATE INCOME. These two reforms will have two progressive effects: shielding low incomes and taxing labour less.

4. Globalisation: let us relocate our industrial activity, our technology sectors and our strategic infrastructure to Europe, and create the GAFAs of tomorrow, by means of the TAX ON ACTIVITY.

In the long term: have a stronger Europe

5. A united Europe: currency, defence, diplomacy and health are European competences; they will be activated within the framework of a EUROPEAN GOVERNANCE reform.

The challenge is enormous, because it is our entire societal and institutional model that must be rebuilt, but the opportunity is fantastic: to become the world leader again.

Spring paper 10, “Reforms”, intended to describe the 5 reforms, will be published after consultation.

May 2020