French Prime Minister Michel Barnier speaks during the evening news broadcast of French TV channel France 2 at the France Televisions studios in Paris, on Sunday, September 22, 2024. – arnier on Sunday called for a “national effort” to cut the country’s public-sector deficit, but ruled out across-the-board tax rises. (Photo by Julie SEBADELHA / POOL / Agence France-Presse)
PARIS, France — 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.
A day after President Emmanuel Macron appointed a new government, Barnier told the France 2 broadcaster that the government’s financial situation was “very serious.”
Article continues after this advertisementThe 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.
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But there would be no income-tax increases for “people with low incomes, or wage earners, or the middle-income class,” he said.
Article continues after this advertisement“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.
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Article continues after this advertisementBarnier’s first major task will be to submit a 2025 budget plan addressing France’s financial situation next month.
France has been placed under a formal procedure for violating European Union budgetary rules.
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