ONE of France’s richest men, Francois Pinault, faced a backlash today for accusing President Emmanuel Macron of “not understanding the little people”.

“I am afraid that he is leading France towards a system that forgets the most modest,” the billionaire and luxury goods mogul told M du Monde magazine yesterday.

Macron, who has been dubbed “president of the rich” by his detractors, was criticised this week for unveiling plans for a swimming pool at his private presidential retreat.

Pinault is said to be close to former president Jacques Chirac, prosecuted in 2011 for embezzlement during his time as mayor of Paris, and voted for the Socialist Francois Hollande in the 2012 presidential election.

Defending Macron, government spokesman Benjamin Grivaux told Radio 1: “From someone who, for a long time, did not pay taxes, I’m not sure he himself understands the little people.”

MP Richard Ferrand, from Macron’s La Republique en Marche party, said Pinault’s comments were “surreal”, quipping on Twitter that “only billionaires can understand others”.

In 2002, Pinault settled a dispute with the tax authorities, paying out €450 million (RM2.1 billion), after sharing his business group with his children.

The year before, he handed the reins of his empire – which includes the Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Puma and Balenciaga brands – to son Francois-Henri, who is married to Hollywood star Salma Hayek.

Since then, the businessman, who also owns auction house Christie’s, has mostly dedicated himself to his art collection. – AFP, June 23, 2018.