Barnier promises to tackle France's most pressing problems swiftly

RFI

23 September 2024 at 4:46 am·1-min read

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Sunday called for a "national effort" to cut the country's public-sector deficit, but ruled out across-the-board tax rises. His new government is under pressure to prepare a budget before 1 October.

A day after President Emmanuel Macron appointed a new government, Prime Minister Michel Barnier told the France 2 broadcaster that the government's financial situation was "very serious".

The situation required measures to rein in spending and raise income, he added – and high earners would have to "do their bit" to help France's finances recover.

But there would be no income-tax increases for "people with low incomes, or wage earners, or the middle-income class", he said.

"I am not going to increase the tax burden for all French people further, they already pay the highest taxes among all EU partners," he said.

Who is France's new prime minister Michel Barnier?

Barnier, who heads up a government condemned by its critics as too far to the right, promised to move fast to tackle the country's most pressing problems.

As he geared up for his first cabinet meeting on Monday afternoon, Barnier called for "the greatest possible cohesion" within the government, and for a willingness to find "compromise".

His government's most immediate and daunting task will be to put together a budget for 2025 to be submitted to lawmakers by 1 October.

France's total debt stands at 110 percent of GDP, or close to €3.2 trillion.

Australian Associated Press
Landslide victory for Tunisia's President Saied
After a campaign that saw some of his opponents jailed, Tunisia's President Kais Saied has won re-election with more than 90 per cent of the vote.
Australian Associated Press
Foreign tensions, domestic impasses await at parliament
As the government looks to resolve a deadlock on housing and push wage increases through parliament, conflict in the Middle East is set to overshadow debate.
Australian Associated Press
Cheika questions if he is welcome in England after ban
Former Wallabies boss Michael Cheika remains unhappy at the ban he copped coaching Leicester in the UK and has wondered if he isn't wanted in England.
Australian Associated Press
Thompson out of rain-marred Shanghai Masters
Australia's Jordan Thompson has been knocked out of the Shanghai Masters in an upset straight sets second round loss to Tallon Griekspoor.
Australian Associated Press
England on course for semis after easing past S Africa
England have Australia in their sights after beating South Africa by seven wickets in Sharjah to take charge of Group B in the Women's T20 World Cup.
Australian Associated Press
Report weighs plans to cap foreign uni student numbers
Plans to cap the number of international students in Australia could gain traction from a Senate inquiry report despite objections by universities.
Australian Associated Press
Failing child support system used as a 'tool of abuse'
Domestic violence campaigners warn child support payments are too low and often don't arrive at all, underscoring a push for system redesign.
Australian Associated Press
Australia urged to see how environment, economy connect
Australia is refusing to see connections between the environment and economy, as a summit explores ways to value nature instead of incentivising destruction.
Australian Associated Press
Gobbo laments 'idiot' turn to informer on legal clients
Barrister-turned-informer Nicola Gobbo will be grilled on her decision to become a police source while also acting for gangland clients.
Australian Associated Press
Emotional scenes as families escaping Lebanon reunited
More tearful reunions are set to unfold at airports across Australia as further emergency repatriation flights ferry families home from war-torn Lebanon.
Australian Associated Press
Lions players touring Australia will share in profits
A new profit-sharing agreement will benefit players touring Australia with the British and Irish Lions rugby union team next year.
Australian Associated Press
Pakistan's Masood leads the way with century vs England
Pakistan have scored 4-328 on the opening day of their home Test series against England, with both Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique making centuries.
Australian Associated Press
Dutch star Neeskens, former Socceroos coach, dies at 73
Johan Neeskens, a star player for Ajax, Barcelona and the Netherlands in the 70s, and later part of Australia's coaching staff at the 2006 World Cup, has died.
Australian Associated Press
Ex-Philippine leader runs for mayor despite drug deaths
Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte remained popular after stepping down, despite being investigated for crimes against humanity over drug killings.
Australian Associated Press
King to 'pause' cancer treatment for Aust tour
King Charles is preparing for his most significant overseas tour since his cancer diagnosis and his first to Australia as the nation's head of state.
Australian Associated Press
'Lucky' Australians evade Israeli bombs to return home
Australians have touched down at home after fleeing Israel's escalating bombardment and invasion of Lebanon.
Australian Associated Press
Russian court jails American for fighting in Ukraine
A 72-year-old American has been sentenced to almost seven years in a Russian prison for fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine.
Australian Associated Press
Vigils and rally mourn 'year of death and destruction'
Hundreds of people have attended a rally at a Sydney mosque while others gathered at vigils across several cities to mourn lives lost in Gaza and Lebanon.
Yahoo News Australia
Ancient world discovered on remote Aussie beach after wild storms: 'Magnificent'
The 'usual nice white sand' has been washed away, uncovering a lost world. Find out more.
Australian Associated Press
'I'm the guy': Shield openers queue for Test chance
Who opens the batting for Australia in the first Test alongside Usman Khawaja is the burning question ahead of the Sheffield Shield's opening round.

Latest stories