France economist Thomas Piketty rejects Legion D'Honneur

[cronus]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30650097

France economist Thomas Piketty rejects Legion D'Honneur

French economist Thomas Piketty, the best-selling author of Capital in the 21st Century, has turned down France's top award, the Legion D'Honneur.

"I do not think it is the government's role to decide who is honourable", Mr Piketty said.

His book examines income inequality in society and became a surprise hit, topping the bestseller list in the US.

It is very rare for anyone to turn down the award, says the BBC's Hugh Schofield in Paris.

But Mr Piketty, who was once close to the Socialist Party but has criticised the government of Francois Hollande, said he was unable to accept the award.

"I have just learned that I was nominated for the Legion D'Honneur. I refuse this nomination because I do not think it is the government's role to decide who is honourable," he told the news agency AFP.

"They would do better to concentrate on reviving [economic] growth in France and Europe."

Capital, a book of almost 600 pages, sold half a million copies and was much-debated, particularly in the US.

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[Svartalf]

good for him, like it brings anything worthwhile.

[piscator]

Thinks of himself rather than all the other recipients of the Legion of Honor, then pretends he can tell the French Government what they can do with their award.

Just shut up, smile, look at the whole time/limos/tuxedos thing as a luxury tax, then move on. Don't use the occasion to display your monstrous French ego.

[Svartalf]

Given the number of nonentities, glory hounds and downright scumbags that have received the award, refusing it is an honour in and of itself.

[pErvinalia]

Just shut up, smile, look at the whole time/limos/tuxedos thing as a luxury tax, then move on. Don't use the occasion to display your monstrous French ego.

I tend to agree. If there was some particular conflict of interest in the government giving the award, then sure (like has happened here in Australia a few times now with our hateful right wing government). But it just sounds like he did it for his own publicity.

[piscator]

Given the number of nonentities, glory hounds and downright scumbags that have received the award, refusing it is an honour in and of itself.

He could have noted that in his acceptance speech, rather than attempt to dictate national monetary policy via press release. Elton John didn't turn down his CBE and tell the Queen she was better off spending that time restructuring Her economy.