'Get lost you rich idiot', France's wealthiest man told

A move by France's richest man, Bernard Arnault, to seek Belgian citizenship has caused outrage in his home country. Daily newspaper Libération ordered him to "Get Lost you Rich Idiot" in Monday’s front page, as politicians lined up to lambast him.

Arnault, has come under fire from all quarters for his controversial decision.

The decision by the 63-year-old head of the Louis Vuitton, Moët and Hennessy (LVMH) luxury goods empire to seek Belgian citizenship, has been seen by some as a first step to his future financial exile from France. It is an accusation Arnault has strongly denied.

Nevertheless, his decision has provoked a furious reaction in the press and among politicians.

Libération’s front-page headline on Monday screamed “Get Lost, you Rich Idiot”, in homage to the infamous outburst by former president Nicolas Sarkozy, a friend of Arnault’s, who memorably told a farmer to “get lost, you poor idiot”.

“Even if he denies he will go into exile for financial motives, Bernard Arnault’s request for Belgian nationality appears to be the symbol of selfishness by the most wealthy,” Libération added on their front page.


The president’s controversial 75 percent income tax rate for earnings over one million euros is due to be finalised later this month and will be included in the 2013 budget.

Hollande took the opportunity to remind Arnault of his duty during a televised interview on Sunday evening.

“Bernard Arnault should realise what it means to ask for another nationality… Being French is not just about receiving, it is about giving to your country,” the president said.

-  France24.com