€21m more for heritage from lottery

Scratchcards and weekly draw sales raised €200million and there was anger as the state took €14million in tax, leaving just €20million for restoration.

Finance minister Gérald Darmanin said the tax rate was reduced from normal and €144million of the money was returned as prizes, while Loto organiser FDJ got €22million.

However, after the €20million was criticised by a leading heritage TV presenter as a “drop in the ocean”, he loosened the purse strings and announced the extra €21million.