Customers buying from local businesses that compete with them also pay VAT, so the consumer side of it is fair. But local businesses themselves pay much more in

Customers buying from local businesses that compete with them also pay VAT, so the consumer side of it is fair. But local businesses themselves pay much more in corporate taxes, which is not. You are free to argue that the playing field can be likewise leveled by lowering corporate taxes to Ireland's levels. That's a debate for the French to have, as citizens of a sovereign country. It is not a decision to be forced on them by global tax loopholes.