Michel Barnier, Prime Minister of France, is set to present his general policy statement at the National Assembly on October 1 and the draft budget for 2025 the following week. In a recent interview, he emphasized protecting workers from tax increases while seeking temporary contributions from those who can afford it to address the nation’s significant debt and deficit. Barnier also affirmed the importance of respecting all political groups in the National Assembly, including Rassemblement National and La France Insoumise.
On Tuesday, October 1, Michel Barnier will present his general policy statement (new window) before the National Assembly. The following week, his administration (new window) is set to unveil the draft budget for 2025. Meanwhile, in an interview with Journal de Saône-et-Loire (JSL) (new window) on Friday, September 27, the newly appointed Prime Minister addressed the pressing issues facing the nation. He pledged to shield ‘those who work and produce’ from any tax hikes while suggesting a temporary contribution from ‘those who are able to contribute’ to stabilize public finances (new window).
‘Regarding taxation, I have stated my commitment to protect those who are actively contributing to our economy. We will make an exceptional and temporary appeal to those with the capacity to support this effort’, the Prime Minister conveyed to JSL before attending the national congress of the French fire department in Mâcon.
Ensuring Fairness in Economic Measures
‘France is currently facing grave budgetary and financial challenges. As Prime Minister, it is my duty, along with my government, to confront this reality and implement measures that are equitable for all,’ he emphasized during the interview.
‘When I assumed office at Matignon, I indicated that everyone would need to pitch in. The current situation, characterized by a debt exceeding 3,100 billion euros and a deficit surpassing 6%, is one that affects every household. Therefore, our collective effort must be fair, balanced, and coordinated’, Barnier elaborated.
Dialogue with Marine Le Pen
Addressing his recent phone call with Marine Le Pen on September 24 and the subsequent criticism he faced for his handling of Economy Minister Antoine Armand, Barnier noted that Le Pen, as leader of a significant group in the National Assembly, deserved recognition. ‘I wanted to reaffirm to her, as I would to others, that we respect and listen to all groups represented in the Assembly’, he affirmed.
‘This is true for all political factions, irrespective of their stance, from the right to the left, who represent the citizens. Ministers are open to meeting with elected officials from LFI or Rassemblement National if they request such meetings,’ Barnier stated during the discussion. When asked if he acknowledged ‘LFI and RN as part of the republican landscape’, the Prime Minister responded, affirming that ‘these are political parties elected within the framework of the Republic to the National Assembly. That is the bottom line.’