French Call for Suspending EU Fuel Taxes
May 27, 2008
French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Tuesday he would ask the European Union to suspend some gas taxes.
In a radio interview, Sarkozy warned the suspension of Euro-zone fuel taxes would require agreement among all 27 EU nations, Voice of America reported.
Sarkozy also announced plans to revise French energy subsidies, including new heating oil rebates for low-income French citizens.
French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde joined in the effort, saying she would urge the Group of Eight nations to call on the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to increase production to ease pressure on oil costs.
Group of Eight representatives are scheduled to meet in Japan in June.