Gabriel Attal, the Prime Minister of France, marked his first hundred days in office with a focus on issues of authority, secularism, and the role of the state. He made a visit to the town of Viry-Châtillon in response to a recent incident where a 15-year-old boy named Shemseddine was beaten to death near his school. Attal emphasized the importance of authority in the Republic and announced plans for a comprehensive consultation on youth violence, as requested by President Emmanuel Macron. The visit also included discussions on the judicial system and the role of schools, particularly boarding schools.
Despite facing various crises in his early days as Prime Minister, including issues with farmers, budget discrepancies, and internal discord within the government, Attal remained focused on his key priorities, including enforcing authority, improving education, and introducing reforms to the unemployment insurance system. He aims to make it harder for individuals to qualify for benefits, with the goal of encouraging more people to re-enter the workforce. Attal also aims to champion the interests of the working middle class, who he believes are underrepresented in national discourse.
One of the major challenges facing Attal’s government is the state of public finances, which are currently lower than projected. This has led to tensions within the government, particularly between President Macron and his Minister of Economy, Bruno Le Maire. The government is aiming to make an additional 10 billion euros in savings in 2024 and a further 20 billion euros in 2025, with the goal of reducing the deficit to below 3% of the GDP by 2027. However, the High Council of Public Finances has expressed concerns about the credibility and coherence of the government’s budget plans.
In addition to economic challenges, Attal’s tenure as Prime Minister will also be impacted by the upcoming European elections. The President’s party is facing a tough battle against the Rassemblement national party in the polls. As the political and budgetary pressures continue to mount, Attal will need to navigate these challenges while staying true to his priorities and finding ways to address the needs and concerns of the French people. The next few weeks will be crucial in shaping the direction of the government and its response to the complex issues facing the country.
