Economists Gabriel Zucman and Emmanuel Saez, the two 'Frenchies' campaigning to tax the fortunes of California's billionaires
Economists Gabriel Zucman and Emmanuel Saez are advocating for a new tax on California's billionaires. They are part of a group of French economists who have significantly influenced discussions on wealth inequality in the United States. A referendum to impose a one-time 5% tax on billionaire assets will be voted on during the upcoming midterm elections.
- ▪Zucman and Saez are part of a group of French economists challenging mainstream economic thought in the U.S.
- ▪They have previously published works highlighting wealth inequality and taxation issues.
- ▪A referendum for a one-time 5% tax on billionaire assets will be voted on November 3, coinciding with the midterm elections.
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At a rally in support of taxing billionaires, Los Angeles, April 27, 2026. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP Within the community of economists, a unique group has made its mark in the United States: Camille Landais, Thomas Piketty, Emmanuel Saez and Gabriel Zucman – a circle of "Frenchies." Liberal in the American sense of the word – that is, left-wing – they have, for more than a decade, been the provocateurs challenging mainstream economic thought. All alumni of the Ecole normale supérieure ("normaliens"), they have studied and taught at several prestigious American universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Piketty, Saez), Harvard (Saez), Berkeley (Saez, Landais, Zucman) and Stanford (Landais, Zucman), giving them a deep understanding of American academic and political…
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