The Head of State notably announced Monday evening the opening of discussions to train Ukrainian fighter pilots, as well as a tax cut of 2 billion euros for the benefit of the middle classes by the end of his term. five year term.
An interview of about twenty minutes and some important announcements. From the war in Ukraine, through taxation, inflation and pension reform, Emmanuel Macron spoke during an interview with TF1’s “20 Hours”, Monday May 15. We summarize his main statements for you.
He “opens the door to train Ukrainian fighter pilots”
Asked the day after a meeting in Paris with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron announced Monday evening that he had “opened the door to train pilots” Ukrainian fighters “right now”. “And this, with several other European countries which are ready for it. I believe that discussions are underway with the Americans”declared the Head of State, considering on the other hand that to evoke a possible future delivery of fighter planes to kyiv “would be a theoretical debate”. “France’s strategy is simple, it is to help Ukraine to resist”, again assured the President of the Republic. This aid also takes the form of a delivery of missiles, by focusing on “not to weaken France’s ability to defend itself.”
Two billion euros in tax cuts for “the middle classes” by 2027
Emmanuel Macron wants “focus” two billion euros in tax cuts on “middle class” by 2027, “when the budgetary trajectory allows it in this five-year period”. “In our budgetary trajectory” until 2027, “There are two billion tax cuts for households. I asked the government to make proposals to me for these two billion so that they focus on these middle classes”did he declare.
The Head of State, however, did not specify the measures envisaged. “I’ve asked the government to work on it, but I don’t want to close doors here because there may be smart things to do on some of the charges you pay, the contributions you pay when you’re employee”he pointed out.
He rejects any form of “contempt” in the debate on pension reform
“The country is moving forward” despite the protest against the pension reform, assured Emmanuel Macron, while “recusing” any form of “contempt” towards the French. “I deny it [le terme ‘méprisant’ à propos duquel il était interrogé par le présentateur Gilles Bouleau] because we don’t go into contact as I have done since I became involved in political life when we have contempt for people. And I’ll tell you: when you have contempt, you don’t care. True contempt is lying to people. The real contempt, that’s it”, he added.
“This reform, I assume it”assured Emmanuel Macron again, while defending a text “necessary to guarantee the balance of our accounts and the future of our children”. “As she is unpopular, everyone has gone out of their way”, he chained, targeting without naming them the deputies of the Republicans (LR), who did not show a united front to vote for the text in the National Assembly.
“There was opposition in the street, but it was calm and there was violence (…) and people who don’t want solutions. But that’s not the point. France, that does not say everything about the country and the country is moving forward and the country continues to create”, affirmed the Head of State.
The anti-inflation quarter will be extended “if necessary”
Emmanuel Macron also confirmed that the anti-inflation quarter “maybe” prolonged “if it’s necessary” beyond June 15, claiming that this “shield” has “shown its effectiveness”. During this operation, initiated on March 15, the supermarkets undertake to sell a selection of products at the “lowest possible price”a formula that nevertheless leaves great freedom of maneuver to manufacturers and large retailers.
Emmanuel Macron also said he hoped that inflation on food products will be “absorbed (…) by the fall”, with the objective that there is “no exceptional margins” made by large retailers or manufacturers in this context.
He supports his Prime Minister and salutes her work
Asked about the political future of Elisabeth Borne, which seems to be dotted in recent weeks, Emmanuel Macron praised the action of the tenant of Matignon, without ensuring that she will remain in office after the summer. “His governments have done a lot in one year. We are moving forward to allow the country to be independent and fairer. At my side, Elisabeth Borne is acting with strength, determination and courage”he estimated. The Head of State says “very proud” for appointing her a year ago and retains the texts she submitted, in particular budgetary ones.