If France had as sound a financial situation as England does now, it could issue special government bonds to bridge a six-month fiscal gap.
But the French Government had previously exhausted the bond market in dealing with the over two billion in debt; even if they were to raise the bond interest to 12%, it would likely be difficult to sell many.
Joseph nodded solemnly as well. Based on the French Government's annual revenue of five hundred million francs, at least two hundred and fifty million would need to be raised at once to kick-start the abolition of the tax farming system—the money would keep the government going for the first half of the year, and the taxes collected during that period would sustain it for the second half.
However, to be on the safer side, perhaps three hundred million francs would be necessary.
Joseph quickly recalled past examples of fundraisers, realizing that there could still be cards to play in fields like banking, insurance, and securities.
