Prime Minister Michel Barnier will address the National Assembly on October 1 and unveil the draft budget for 2025 the following week. In a recent interview, he emphasized protecting workers from tax increases while imposing a temporary contribution from those able to contribute. Barnier acknowledged the serious financial situation in France, calling for fair efforts to address the national debt. He also discussed respecting all political groups in the Assembly during his communication with Marine Le Pen.
On Tuesday, October 1, Michel Barnier will present his general policy statement at the National Assembly. Following this, his administration will unveil the draft budget for 2025 the following week. In the interim, the new Prime Minister shared his first print media interview with Journal de Saône-et-Loire on Friday, September 27. He assures that he will shield ‘those who work and produce’ from ‘any tax increase’ and mentions an ‘exceptional and temporary’ contribution from ‘those capable of contributing’ to improve public finances.
Speaking to JSL, Barnier said, ‘Regarding taxation, I have committed to safeguarding those who are active and productive from any increase. We will, in an exceptional and temporary manner, call upon those who can contribute towards this effort.’ This statement came just before his visit to the national congress of the French fire department in Mâcon.
Ensuring Fairness
In the interview, he emphasized the seriousness of France’s financial situation: ‘The budgetary and financial state of affairs in France is quite dire. My role as Prime Minister, along with the government, is to confront this issue and implement measures that ensure fairness across the board, rather than targeting specific groups.’
Barnier added, ‘I made it clear when I assumed my role that everyone would need to contribute effort, as the current debt stands at 3,100 billion, with a deficit exceeding 6%. This situation impacts all families and thus, the effort must be equitable, balanced, and well-coordinated.’
Conversation with Marine Le Pen
When asked about his phone conversation with Marine Le Pen on September 24 and his clarification regarding Economy Minister Antoine Armand, which drew criticism, particularly from within the presidential party, Barnier remarked, ‘The member of the Rassemblement National is the leader of a significant group in the National Assembly, and I wanted to affirm to her, as I would have to others, that we respect and listen to all groups represented in the Assembly.’
He continued, ‘This policy extends to all political groups from right to left, as they all represent citizens. Ministers will be open to meeting with elected officials from LFI or Rassemblement National if they seek those discussions.’ When probed further about placing ‘LFI and RN in the republican arc’, Barnier stated, ‘These are political parties that are elected within the framework of the Republic, representing constituents in the National Assembly. Period.’