[size=14pt]France introduces new tax on high incomes
[/size]
The French government is to impose an extra tax of 3% on annual income above 500,000 euros (£440,000; $721,000).

It is part of a package of measures to try to cut the country's deficit by 12bn euros over two years.

The tax increase came after some of France's wealthiest people had called on the government to tackle its deficit by raising taxes on the rich.

Paris has also reduced its economic growth forecast for 2012 to 1.75% from a previous 2.25%.

'Rigorous'
And it has cut its 2011 growth forecast from 2% to 1.75%, Prime Minister Francois Fillon has said.

He said the new tax would remain in place until France reduces its budget deficit back under the EU's intended limit of 3% of GDP, which should occur in 2013.

France plans to trim its public deficit to 5.7 % this year, 4.6 % next year and 3% in 2013.

"This is a rigorous policy that will allow France to remain relaxed," Mr Fillon said. "Our country must stick to its [deficit] commitments. It's in the interest of all French people."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14656486