Michel Barnier is set to deliver a general policy statement at the National Assembly on October 1, followed by a presentation of the draft budget for 2025. In a recent interview, the Prime Minister emphasized protecting workers from tax increases while suggesting a temporary contribution from capable individuals to improve public finances. He acknowledged France’s severe financial situation and pledged a fair effort across all citizens, while also affirming the importance of respecting all political groups in the Assembly.
Michel Barnier (new window) is set to present his general policy statement (new window) at the National Assembly on Tuesday, October 1. Following this, his administration (new window) will unveil its draft budget for 2025 during the subsequent week. Before this, on Friday, September 27, the newly appointed Prime Minister gave his first interview to the print media with Journal de Saône-et-Loire (JSL) (new window). He emphasized his intention to shield ‘those who work and produce’ ‘from any tax increases’ and proposed an ‘exceptional and temporary’ contribution from ‘those who can help’ in the effort to improve public finances (new window).
‘Concerning taxation, I’ve stated that I will protect those on the ground, who work, from any tax rise. We will ask, on an exceptional and temporary basis, for contributions from those who are able to assist in this effort’, the Prime Minister conveyed to JSL, just before attending a national congress for the French fire department in Mâcon.
Striving for Fairness
‘The financial and budgetary situation in France is very serious. My duty as Prime Minister, along with that of my government, is to confront this reality and implement measures that are equitable, not targeting specific groups, but ensuring fairness for all’, he stated during the interview.
‘When I took office at Matignon, I indicated that everyone would need to contribute, since we are dealing with a national debt of €3,100 billion and a deficit exceeding 6%, which affects every family. Thus, the effort must be equitable, balanced, and collaborative’, Barnier added.
Discussion with Marine Le Pen
When asked about his recent phone call with Marine Le Pen on Tuesday, September 24, and the response directed at Economy Minister Antoine Armand, which drew some criticism, particularly from within the presidential party, Barnier explained that the Rassemblement National member ‘leads a significant group in the National Assembly, and I intended to affirm that all groups represented in the Assembly should be respected and heard’.
‘This principle applies across the political spectrum, from right to left, as they all represent citizens. Ministers will engage with elected representatives from LFI or Rassemblement National if they wish to do so’, Barnier elaborated during the discussion. When asked whether he considered ‘LFI and RN as part of the republican framework’, the Prime Minister responded that ‘these are legitimate political parties elected within the Republic and hold seats in the National Assembly. End of story.’