Michel Barnier's Call for Unity Ahead of 2025 Budget Presentation
As the countdown to the 2025 budget presentation begins, Prime Minister Michel Barnier is rallying support from his political allies, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration in navigating the country's financial challenges. In a recent interview with La Tribune Dimanche, Barnier expressed his confidence in his allies, particularly praising his predecessor Gabriel Attal for his efforts in reducing public spending. This gesture comes amidst rising tensions between the two leaders, particularly over proposed tax increases that Barnier plans to implement.
Barnier acknowledged the historical context of France's debt, stating, "The debt that I found is not only that of my immediate predecessors but the fruit of twenty years of neglect." He highlighted Attal's role in initiating crucial spending cuts, positioning him as a key ally in the upcoming budgetary negotiations. Barnier noted, "I have a lot of respect for Gabriel Attal. He is a high-quality elected official who has a future," underscoring the importance of Attal's leadership of a substantial parliamentary group.
The Prime Minister's call for unity extends beyond Attal, as he seeks support from prominent figures across the political spectrum, including Laurent Wauquiez, François Bayrou, and Édouard Philippe. With a proposed 40 billion euros in savings and 20 billion euros in tax increases on the table, Barnier is preparing to defend unpopular measures, such as the postponement of pension revaluations, which he claims could save the government an estimated 4 billion euros.
In addition to fiscal reforms, Barnier has outlined plans to engage all ministers in the budgetary process, requesting that even those in sectors protected by programming laws, such as Defense and Justice, contribute to the government's efforts. He stated, "We will ask all ministers to make an effort," emphasizing the need for a collective approach to address the financial situation.
On the immigration front, Barnier is advocating for enhanced measures to facilitate deportations, including renegotiating bilateral treaties with countries like Morocco, Algeria, and Senegal. This initiative falls under the shared diplomatic responsibilities with President Emmanuel Macron, as Barnier seeks to find effective solutions to complex immigration issues.
As Barnier prepares to address these multifaceted challenges, he remains committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration among his allies, hoping to navigate the turbulent waters of budgetary reform effectively.
