Gérald Darmanin's Support for Michel Barnier's Budget 2025
In a recent appearance on France 2's 8pm news, Gérald Darmanin, the former Minister of the Interior, expressed his support for Prime Minister Michel Barnier's budget proposal for 2025. However, he also voiced significant concerns regarding the current fiscal strategy, labeling the proposed tax increases as "unacceptable." Darmanin emphasized the need for structural reforms to alleviate the financial burden on the French populace, particularly on the working and middle classes.
Darmanin stated, "I want him to succeed because if he doesn't succeed, all the French people, especially the most popular categories and the middle classes, will pay for it." His comments reflect a broader anxiety about the fiscal health of the nation and the impact of government decisions on everyday citizens.
Call for Reforms Over Increased Taxation
Darmanin criticized the government's approach, arguing that there are "far too many taxes, particularly those affecting work, businesses, and workers." He proposed that instead of increasing taxes, the government should focus on implementing more reforms, particularly in the realm of unemployment insurance, which he believes should be revisited. "We need to make more reforms rather than impose more taxes," he asserted, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to fiscal policy that supports both economic growth and social welfare.
Working More: A Controversial Suggestion
Additionally, Darmanin suggested that the French people should be encouraged to "work more," proposing measures such as removing an additional public holiday to increase productivity. He acknowledged that this might not be a popular stance, stating, "Working more is not easy and we do not gain points in the polls, but we must tell the truth to the French." His call for increased work hours reflects a desire to boost contributions to the economy, which he claims is necessary for the country to stabilize its finances and reduce its deficit and debt.
Darmanin's comments come amidst ongoing debates about public finance management in France, a topic that has gained prominence as the government grapples with economic recovery post-pandemic.
