French billionaire Pierre-Edouard Sterin has publicly appealed to the French Senate to change inheritance laws, seeking to disinherit his five children and donate his entire $1.4 billion estate to charity. Under current French law, specifically the concept of "la réserve héréditaire," Sterin is legally obligated to leave at least three-quarters of his assets, or approximately $975 million, to his offspring. He argues for the freedom to control one's patrimony and direct it entirely to philanthropic causes.
Sterin's testimony before the Senate on June 4, 2026, highlighted his desire to give his entire estate to charity, citing that he believes in the freedom to do with one's assets as they wish. This stance is not new for Sterin, who has previously stated his children would not inherit from him, emphasizing the value of starting with nothing. His public appeal, however, marks a significant step in bringing this private conviction into the legislative arena.
The current French civil code ensures a protected inheritance provision for children, and while Sterin's argument for testamentary freedom transcends typical political lines, there are no immediate indications that the Senate is actively considering legislation to reform "la réserve héréditaire." The legal framework he is challenging is deeply entrenched in French history. His testimony serves as a personal plea rather than a formal legislative proposal, underscoring his commitment to ensuring his $1.3 billion (1.4 billion USD) fortune benefits philanthropic endeavors over compelled family inheritance.
This situation contrasts with other wealthy individuals navigating succession. For example, Anne Beaufour, a French heiress controlling drugmaker Ipsen SA, recently moved her residency to Switzerland as plans for a generational shift in ownership involving her three children are taking shape. Meanwhile, Nicolas Puech, an heir to Hermes, is controversially trying to cut ties with his charitable foundation amid a scandal involving his gardener and adoption plans, illustrating various approaches and challenges in wealth transfer for European billionaires.
