Chapter 483: Xu and Submission
Two days later.
Nine plutocrats who control the French tax collectors' federation gathered at Fuld's villa - only these people from around Paris came because of the emergency. However, they always have more than 40% of the funds, which is enough to make decisions on major matters.
At the conference table, Fankiewicz flipped through the newspaper and saw articles such as "Professor Nisei said that the tax collector system has increased the amount of taxes paid by ordinary people", "Shocked, they will not allow you to reduce taxes", "It is the tax system Failure, or the darkness of human nature" and so on, he immediately slammed the table in anger.
These articles exposing the shortcomings of the tax collector system and analyzing the ability of tax reform to reduce the amount of taxes paid by the people were all written by Joseph. Tax reform is beneficial to both the country and the people, but only detrimental to tax collectors. Naturally, he will use public opinion to publicize it.
Fuld signaled everyone to be quiet and said with a sullen face:
"The damn General Post Office is on fire, so that makes things a little bit worse for us."
Everyone was silent.
They previously spent millions of francs in an attempt to use the power of officials to put pressure on the royal family. Unexpectedly, the entire bureaucracy has now become the biggest supporter of tax reform. Maybe they don't really support it, but the direction of public opinion has taken shape.
Hope coughed slightly and said: "First of all, everyone must ask all subordinates who have been in contact with the arrested officials to leave the country immediately. Those officials will report them at any time."
Several people nodded:
"Don't worry, they won't be caught."
"I've asked them to leave."
A lender said nervously: "I think the royal family is very determined to cancel the tax package this time. If the government raises enough funds, it will not renew the tax package agreement next year..."
Hope raised his hand and interrupted him:
"Given the financial situation of the French government, it is unlikely that they can get 200 million francs. Of course, we cannot take it lightly."
He looked at Fuld:
"We should give the government some illusions to paralyze them and make them relax about fundraising."
"What do you mean?"
"On the one hand, let Viscount Bertrand lower the conditions in the tax package negotiations, such as increasing the total tax package by 70 million francs compared with this year, and giving up taxes that the government cares about, such as transportation taxes and transit taxes. In short, let the royal family The idea is that even if the tax package is abolished, it will not be better than this condition.”
Viscount Bertrand was the negotiator of the Taxpayers' Federation. Although it is only April, negotiations on the tax package amount for next year have already begun, and usually it takes until the end of the year to sign a contract.
Hope continued: "When necessary, Viscount Bertrand and Brian can even be asked to sign an agreement of intent. At the end of the year, they will always find an excuse to revoke his status as a negotiator and replace him with another person to renegotiate."
When everyone heard this, their eyes suddenly lit up and they all nodded in praise.
Although the head of the Tax Owners Association is Viscount Fuld, most of the important decisions are made under the guidance of the wily Hope.
"Mr. Charles," Hope looked at the old man in front of him again, and then gestured to the three people beside him, "On the other hand, you and Baron Morel went to secretly contact Brian, saying that you can bypass General Assembly, privately provided loans totaling 150 million francs to the French government.
"Of course, you have to show that you care about the interest and additional conditions and delay the negotiations until the end of the year. "As long as October passes, the initiative will return to our side. By then, it will be too late for the French government to raise more funds. For next year's fiscal expenditure, they can only agree to let us continue to cover taxes. "
A smile flashed in Charles's eyes, and he immediately leaned forward and said, "Please leave this matter to me."
…
In the office on the second floor of the Tuileries Palace.
Brian said with a cheerful expression: "Your Highness, the Tax Owners Association has obviously felt the pressure from the authorities and has taken a very low profile when it comes to tax payment negotiations.
"I heard from Viscount Bertrand's assistant that their tax package bottom line is likely to reach 540 million francs, and they can even return some taxes related to industry and trade to the government."
Joseph also smiled: "Well, if that's the case, they are indeed sincere."
Brian leaned forward again and said mysteriously: "Your Highness, Charles, Baron Morel and others came to me yesterday afternoon, suggesting that if the government abolishes the tax farming system, they can provide a large number of loans. But they want 18% interest, but I feel there should be room for negotiation.”
"Very good. This way we will be more confident about the tax reform." Joseph looked very happy. "Please continue to negotiate with them and strive to get the best conditions."
"Yes, Your Highness, I will definitely bring you good news."
After Brian left, Joseph immediately signaled to Eman: "Please prepare the carriage, we will go to the Paris Police Academy."
He didn't have any hope for Brian's so-called negotiation. He knew very well that what he wanted to do was to ruin the jobs of tax collectors. How could those people compromise? Especially since there is Jewish capital here. He knows very well what those people have done in history and the devastating impact it has had on the economy of the host country. He will never give up any benefit!
Therefore, the current posture adopted by the tax collectors can only have one purpose, and that is to delay time.
Firstly, it is to delay the current political trend that strongly calls for the abolition of tax farming. Secondly, it should shorten the government's preparation time and shake the government's determination.
Joseph got into the carriage with a smile on his face. Delaying time? Very good, it just so happens that I also want to delay time.
If the tax collectors can be made to focus on the "negotiations" with Brian and stop engaging in such nonsense as "more than 40 senior officials unanimously oppose the tax reform", I will have less worries and come up with something. Spend more energy on preparations for tax reform.
This is destined to be a world where only Brian is injured - both sides are making excuses, but he is the only one who thinks that he is doing a major event related to the future of the country and is spending all his energy.
Not long after, Joseph's car stopped in the open space outside the Paris Police Academy.
Since they were not notified in advance, Friant and other officials did not come out to greet them. Joseph did not go to the main campus, but turned straight into the newly built School of Economics on the south side of the police academy.
It wasn't until he saw the "tax collectors" training on the playground that the dean here, Clemons, hurriedly led people to greet them.
"It's an honor for you to come to the School of Economics, Your Highness the Crown Prince." Clemont bowed and saluted, and then motioned to the college officials beside him, "Let the students assemble to welcome His Highness!"
"Oh, don't disturb everyone's class." Joseph quickly stopped him, "I just came to see how the college is doing."
(End of chapter)