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Future government: Michel Barnier struggles to form new team
Future government: Michel Barnier struggles to form new team
(franceinfo)
Michel Barnier is struggling to form his new government due to tensions with the Macronists. His meeting with Gabriel Attal, scheduled for Wednesday, September 18, has been canceled. At the heart of the tensions: a possible tax increase.
Prime Minister for 13 days, Michel Barnier is faced with two major problems. He must save between 20 and 30 billion euros next year to reduce record deficits. To achieve this, the Savoyard is said to have confided his temptation to increase certain taxes on large companies or on certain high net worth individuals. An unacceptable option for the outgoing majority, but also for the National Rally, which is already threatening a censure.
The government is precisely the second big thorn in the Prime Minister’s side. Behind the scenes, negotiations are continuing and seem to be at an impasse. The cause: the balance between Les Républicains and the presidential camp. Michel Barnier has cancelled the meetings at Matignon planned with Gabriel Attal and LR without further explanation at this stage. He is the Prime Minister who took the longest to form his government under the Fifth Republic.