France is considering collaborating with its European Union partners on a proposed tax targeting the excess profits of oil companies, according to government spokesperson Maud Bregeon. Several European nations, including Germany, have called for such a tax to address the rising cost of fuel and ensure companies pay their fair share. Bregeon stated that France does not oppose the idea and is "prepared to work with its partners" to implement a European-level tax on these excess profits. The initiative has been strongly supported by left-wing political groups and several European countries, who argue it is necessary to curb the rising fuel prices that burden consumers. Bregeon emphasized that France has not blocked the proposal in any way and reiterated that the country was the first to suggest that any such tax should be implemented at the European level rather than nationally. She added that France would support the measure if there is clear evidence of excess profits and a feasible way to implement the tax across Europe. The idea has been discussed previously, with Bregeon having spoken about it in April. Raphaël Glucksmann, a presidential candidate, claimed the government is against the tax because it does not want to upset TotalEnergies, a major French oil company, and its CEO. Bregeon dismissed this as a false statement and said it was "very serious" for a presidential candidate to make such a claim. Last year, Patrick Pouyanné, the CEO of TotalEnergies, warned that the company might remove the price cap on fuel if a tax on oil profits was introduced. However, Bregeon denied that this influenced France’s stance, stating the government would not engage in "blackmail" with Pouyanné or others. In May of last year, France introduced a 7.5 billion euro increase in corporate taxes, which was strongly criticized by affected companies. Their executives even appeared on television to protest the move. However, the government proceeded with the tax increase, believing it was necessary to fairly share the financial burden during a difficult budgetary period. Bregeon concluded that the current fuel price cap is beneficial for the French people's purchasing power and that the government is working to find a balanced approach moving forward.