In it together: How the FTT could galvanise Europe

To say that the European financial transaction tax (FTT) has been controversial would be an understatement. From its inception in September 2011, the EU proposal has been met with vitriol from some in the financial sector, who argue that the tax will pilfer pensions and wreak havoc on the European economy, while others have championed it as the solution to the eurozone crisis, labelling it the ‘Robin Hood Tax’. It also has the added advantage of appeasing a politically disillusioned electorate by promising to land a decisive blow to bankers, who in the public’s view caused the mess in the first place. Aaran Fronda dissects this divisive tax.