Bruno Le Maire in favor of tax exemption for bonuses for Olympic medalists

The resigning Minister of the Economy, Bruno Le Maire, expressed his support for the tax exemption of bonuses for French athletes who won medals at the Paris Olympic Games. During his appearance in the program “Bienvenue aux Jeux” on Le Figaro TV on August 8, he announced his intention to propose this measure as part of the 2025 budget, emphasizing the importance of rewarding the years of sacrifice of athletes. .

This proposal comes after criticism from former judoka David Douillet, who described the imposition of bonuses, varying from 20 to 000 euros depending on the color of the medal, as a “scandal”. Bruno Le Maire assured that although he is no longer in charge of the final decision, he will prepare measures for the next legislature, leaving it to the future government to decide.

For Le Maire, the issue is above all symbolic rather than financial. “It is not a question of public finances, it is a question of symbol,” he declared, specifying that the fiscal impact of this measure would be negligible compared to the savings efforts necessary elsewhere.

The question of tax exemption for Olympic bonuses is not new. In 2016, during the Rio Games, and in 2018 for the Winter Games, the bonuses had already been exempt from taxes, a decision welcomed by several athletes, including biathlete Martin Fourcade. However, prize money from the 2020 Tokyo Games was subject to tax, sparking debate.

Les Républicains MP Olivier Marleix also supported the idea of ​​tax exemption, proposing a consensual law to open the legislature on a note of national unity. Le Maire's initiative, although symbolic, reflects a desire to recognize the exceptional performances of French athletes and to offer them treatment commensurate with their sacrifices and exploits.