Paradise Papers exposes feeble political attempts to stop tax cheats

Political leaders must put the interests of the people they represent over corporates and the super-rich if they are going to put a stop to tax scandals, like #ParadisePapers, said Oxfam today.

Susana Ruiz, tax policy advisor for Oxfam, said:

“Paradise Papers exposes our leaders’ feeble attempts to stop tax cheats. Politicians' tough talk has translated into weak reforms under pressure from big business and the super-rich.

“Tax dodging fuels poverty and inequality. When the super-rich and corporations such as Apple, Nike and Glencore dodge taxes it is ordinary people, and especially the poorest, who pay the price.  Corporate tax dodging alone costs poor countries at least $100 billion every year - enough money to provide an education for 124 million children and prevent the deaths of at least six million children. 

“Political leaders must put the interests of the public over corporates and the super-rich. They must work together to shut down tax havens by establishing a global tax haven blacklist; end tax secrecy so that its clear if corporations and the super-rich pay their fair share of tax; and kickstart a new round of tax reforms that rebuild the tax system in the interests of the majority and not the few. 

“Governments should also establish national public inquiries into the allegations made by ParadisePapers to identify how national laws can be tightened or reformed to prevent tax dodging.”