The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said France had surpassed Denmark to record the highest tax revenue among developed countries in 2017 as government tax revenues rose to a record high in figures that would not help French President Emmanuel Macaron appease angry protesters over rising living costs
The agency said on Wednesday that total government tax revenues averaged 34.2 percent of GDP last year among the 34 developed countries, which compiled the Paris-based organization.
Although the increase is slight compared to 34 percent in 2016, the new figure is the highest average total tax since data began in 1965, she said.
In France, government tax revenues increased to 46.2 percent of GDP, bypassing Denmark, which has fallen to 46 percent.
The heavy tax burden has raised voter discontent as a popular protest movement called "yellow jackets" erupted in mid-November to express anger at the increase in fuel taxes and the high cost of living. These protests were sometimes violent, especially in Paris.
The Macron government, which is seeking to gradually reduce the overall tax burden during its five-year term, has suspended planned fuel tax increases for at least six months in a bid to break the deepening crisis.
The OECD said government taxes increased in 19 member states last year and fell in 16 countries.
Israel recorded the highest increase in government taxes, rising 1.4 percentage points to 32.7 percent of GDP due to a combination of changes in income tax and profits.
The United States saw the second highest increase in 2017 and the rate of increase was 1.3 percentage points to 27.1 percent of GDP.
Mexico registered the lowest tax burden at 16.2 percent, the organization said.
